ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Erika Arias is first author on ‘ EdU tracking of leukocyte recruitment in mouse models of ischemic stroke and sterile lung inflammation’, published in JCS. Erika is a PhD student in the lab of Dr William Muller at Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA, where she investigates the role of neutrophils in ischemic stroke.
Erika Arias
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Inflammation is the body's response to injury. Whereas inflammation is necessary for healing, it can also become dysregulated and lead to autoimmune diseases or excessive tissue damage. Tracking the movement of immune cells can offer insight into how the immune system responds to injury. We developed a streamlined method using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) to track immune cell migration. EdU is a label that gets incorporated into DNA during cell division and can be visualized through a reaction known as click chemistry, allowing identification of recently divided cells. Researchers can collect tissue at any time after labeling to measure labeled cells and analyze how they compare to other tissues. We show that we can use EdU to track different types of immune cells, monocytes, neutrophils and T cells, in both blood and tissue. EdU-positive monocytes and T cells are enriched in two models of inflammation: ischemic stroke and the lung after hydrochloric acid aspiration. We observe that recently divided monocytes and T cells are preferentially recruited to the brain and lung in these models of inflammation. Overall, EdU can be used to label and longitudinally track different immune cells during inflammation.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
Samples must undergo the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction (click chemistry) to identify cells with EdU incorporation. However, genetically encoded fluorophores (GFP and tdTomato), which are sensitive to copper, can lose signal following this reaction. To preserve the GFP and tdTomato fluorescence, we modified the click reaction timing and buffer, as previously described by others. Additionally, tissue sections were also destained overnight and promptly imaged the next day. These adjustments limited fluorescence signal degradation.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
We believe Journal of Cell Science is the ideal place to publish our research as a Tools and Resources article. Journal of Cell Science is well-respected for its rigorous peer review process and Editors. We are excited to publish alongside other high-quality manuscripts.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
I have numerous mentors to thank for their guidance. My PhD advisor, Dr William Muller, has always encouraged my independence while keeping an open door whenever I needed some advice. Thanks to him, I get to work in such a great environment at Northwestern! Dr David Sullivan, Dr Ayush Batra and Dr Neil Nadkarni were in the lab, in the trenches with me, offering insights when experiments did not work and celebrating when they did. When I first rotated, it was Dr Neil Nadkarni who convinced me to join the research team studying ischemic stroke. Beyond science and career advice, they've also encouraged me to lead a balanced life (as much as possible) and make time for myself and my family. I genuinely can't thank my mentors enough for supporting me every step of the way.
Recruitment of EdU-positive monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils to the inflamed lung. EdU-positive cells (Alexa Fluor 405 azide) are blue, monocytes/macrophages (GFP) are green, and neutrophils (tdTomato) are red. Vessels were labeled with anti-PECAM antibody conjugated to Dylight-650 (white).
Recruitment of EdU-positive monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils to the inflamed lung. EdU-positive cells (Alexa Fluor 405 azide) are blue, monocytes/macrophages (GFP) are green, and neutrophils (tdTomato) are red. Vessels were labeled with anti-PECAM antibody conjugated to Dylight-650 (white).
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
My high school science teacher, Dawn Sasek, influenced me to pursue a career in science. I still remember the first day of freshman biology class, she ran in with a pot of coffee and a bag full of papers. She is full of energy, enthusiasm and just loves teaching science. She taught me freshman biology, chemistry and AP biology (3 years). During that time, we did countless fun and crazy experiments in her class. I learned so much and made such great memories with her and all my friends in class. Those moments guided me to the path I am on now.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
Beyond my mentors, who are amazing role models, Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson has also been a major influence on my scientific journey. As a kid, I used to watch NOVA on PBS, and I remember him hosting a series on the origin of the universe. It was a great show, and Dr Tyson has done a lot of work in engaging the public with science and communicating research findings. Although, conducting research is important, communicating it is equally as important. Dr Tyson sparked my early interest in science, and he continues to do so in many people throughout the country.
What's next for you?
As an MD/PhD student, my next steps are to wrap up my PhD and return to medical school. I'm going to miss being in the lab full-time!
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I love dancing salsa! Although I have also learned a bit of bachata and cumbia, salsa is my favorite. It's a fun way to get in some exercise, meet new people and listen to great music!
Erika Arias's contact details: Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Ward Building 3-070, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
