Arisa Ikeda
In Dr. Hiromi Sesaki’s lab, I study how mitochondrial fission and fusion are essential to animal physiology. We discovered that the synergy between two stress-responsive systems — the ubiquitin E3 ligase Parkin and the metalloprotease OMA1 — safeguards mitochondrial structure and genome by regulating mitochondrial fusion. Whereas the individual loss of Parkin or OMA1 does not affect mitochondrial integrity, their combined loss results in small body size, low locomotor activity, premature death, mitochondrial abnormalities and innate immune responses. These findings account for previous puzzling reports that the individual loss of Parkin–PINK1, whose defects are known to cause Parkinson’s disease, shows minimal mitochondrial phenotypes in mice.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I chose Johns Hopkins because I am interested in elucidating the role of organelle membrane dynamics regulation using a mouse reverse genetics approach, and the Sesaki lab is the best place to do this research.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
I am truly honored to receive this award, and I believe that this award will help me in my future career.
What contributed to your project’s success?
Guidance from my mentors, Hiromi Sesaki and Miho Iijima, and support from my labmates were essential to the success of my project.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
We face many challenges in doing research and building our careers, but this award encourages us to overcome them.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
I was very impressed with the collaborative environment across various departments within Johns Hopkins, which expanded my research possibilities.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I am planning to wrap up my current project and publish a paper, then look for a faculty position in the near future.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
Since coming to the U.S., I have enjoyed not only American food but also cuisine from many other countries.