ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Mohammad Ojaghi is an author on ‘ Hypoxia impairs blood glucose homeostasis in naked mole-rat adult subordinates but not queens’, published in JEB. Mohammad is a PhD student in the lab of Matthew Pamenter at Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada, investigating metabolic adaptations to environmental stressors, particularly in hypoxia-tolerant species.
Mohammad Ojaghi
How did you become interested in biology?
My passion for biology burgeoned from a deep-rooted fascination with nature and animals. However, it was during high school that my ardor for the subject truly ignited. In a pivotal moment, one of my teachers posed a thought-provoking question to the class: ‘Do you know how our organs are meticulously shaped and positioned in our bodies to ensure our survival in our environment?’ This inquiry sparked a profound curiosity within me. Delving into the intricacies of biology, I became captivated by the profound interconnectedness of life forms and the intricate mechanisms governing their existence. It was a revelation to comprehend the symbiotic relationship between organisms and their environments, and the evolutionary processes shaping life as we know it. My teacher's inquiry instilled in me a profound appreciation for the wonders of biology, igniting a passion that continues to drive my pursuit of knowledge in this endlessly fascinating field. Through exploration, experimentation and a thirst for understanding, I am continually inspired to unravel the mysteries of the natural world and contribute to the advancement of biological science.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
My journey in science has been fueled by a burning curiosity about how living organisms tackle tough situations. Currently, I'm immersed in uncovering the secrets of how naked mole-rats manage their energy when oxygen levels plummet. It's truly remarkable how these creatures thrive in environments with such little oxygen, like underground burrows. They have an incredible knack for adjusting their energy levels by slowing down their metabolic rate and relying more on anaerobic pathways. In normoxic conditions, they mainly metabolize lipids, but when faced with hypoxia, they shift gears and predominantly utilize carbohydrates. Additionally, they boost their blood glucose levels in hypoxic conditions through a mechanism that's still unknown. I'm deeply intrigued by these adaptations and am delving into understanding their glucose metabolism pathways in both normoxic and hypoxic environments. This research has the potential to shed light on fundamental aspects of how our bodies function and could offer insights into treating diseases such as diabetes more effectively. I'm excited to continue this exploration and see where it leads us in advancing our understanding of human health and wellness.
How would you explain the main findings/message of your paper to a member of the public?
Our study uncovered something truly remarkable about naked mole-rats, those extraordinary creatures living underground. They possess an incredible skill to thrive in environments with low oxygen levels, something that's very tough for other animals. When oxygen is scarce, they have a unique ability to conserve energy by shutting down certain pathways in their bodies. They also switch to using carbohydrates as their main source of energy, which doesn't need much oxygen to work. What's even more surprising is that while most animals lose this ability as they grow up, naked mole-rats keep it into adulthood.
Why did you choose JEB to publish your paper?
We selected JEB as the venue to publish our paper due to its esteemed reputation in the field of experimental biology. JEB is renowned for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to publishing high-quality research that advances our understanding of biological systems. The journal's interdisciplinary approach aligns well with the nature of our study, which delves into the physiological adaptations of naked mole-rats. By choosing JEB, we aimed to reach a diverse audience of scientists and researchers who share our passion for uncovering the intricacies of biological phenomena. We believe that JEB provides an excellent platform to disseminate our findings and contribute to the broader scientific community.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
What I love most about research is the thrill of exploration. It's like diving into a vast ocean of knowledge, uncovering hidden treasures with each discovery. There's a special kind of joy in piecing together the puzzle of nature, one hypothesis at a time. It's not just about finding answers; it's about asking the right questions and embracing the journey of discovery. I also enjoy the collaborative aspect of research, bouncing ideas off fellow explorers and building something greater together. But above all, it's the satisfaction of knowing that my work contributes to a greater understanding of the world we live in, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge one step further.
Mohammad Ojaghi's contact details: Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Pvt., Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5.
E-mail: [email protected]
