Qiang Jiang
The mechanotransduction (MET) channel in the hair cells can convert sound-induced vibration into electrical signal, and dysfunction of this MET channel will cause hearing loss. This MET channel is a large molecular machinery that contains potential pore subunit proteins, such as TMC1 and TMIE. The mechanisms by which these proteins are regulated by mechanical forces remain unclear. This ion channel complex is expressed throughout the animal kingdom, ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, and it has fundamental roles in the perception of not only sound but also other mechanical signals, such as those provided by food texture or touch. Unfortunately, all efforts have so far failed to determine the structure of the mammalian ion channel complex at atomic resolution. However, the structure of this ion channel complex from C. elegans has been solved and provides a blueprint to study the mammalian channel complex.
Studies in C. elegans suggest that nematode TMC proteins are components of several ion channel complexes (the mechanosensitive ion channel, alkaline pH-activated channel and Na+-leak channel) with distinct functions. The mechanisms by which nematode TMCs contribute to such diverse physiological processes and their functional relationship to mammalian mTMCs is unclear. We show that association with accessory proteins tunes nematode TMC-1 to divergent sensory functions. In addition, different protein domains in nematode TMC-1 are required for different sensory modalities, and these protein domains have been segregated during evolution in mammalian TMC proteins into distinct proteins. Our findings demonstrate that sequence diversification and association with accessory proteins has led to the emergence of TMC protein complexes with diverse properties and physiological functions. This work was done in Dr. Ulrich Mueller’s lab.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the best institutions for both basic and clinical research, with a strong reputation for groundbreaking discoveries and a history of medical innovation. Here, I have the opportunity to work with many talented and outstanding scientists from different backgrounds.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Mohammed Repon Khan Memorial Research Award. Receiving this award inspires me to continue pursuing my research, and I hope to contribute to human health in the future. Dr. Repon is a great scientist who made major discoveries regarding the role of the Drosophila RNA binding protein Orb2 in long-term memory and the role of toxic a-synuclein protein aggregates in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. I will inherit his passion and pursuit of scientific research.
What contributed to your project’s success?
The success of my project depends largely on the smart and visionary guidance of my mentor, Dr. Ulrich Mueller, and the sincere collaboration with Dr.
Kang’s laboratory. I am very grateful for the hard work of my collaborators and the good suggestions from other members in the lab.
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?
Young Investigators’ Day is a valuable platform for students and fellows to share their research work and interact with researchers from different
backgrounds, and it helps to motivate young researchers to go further in their research careers.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
The best experience at Johns Hopkins is that I can freely and respectfully discuss various scientific issues with my mentors and colleagues without worrying about my naive ideas being weak or ridiculous.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I will first complete my current project as soon as possible, and then apply for a faculty position to continue my academic career.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I like various sports and reading novels.