What is your favourite enzyme, and why?

Autotaxin, because it is secreted from fat cells and produces a powerful bioactive lipid. With its lysophospholipase D activity it is a unique adipokine involved in cell-to-cell and organ-to-organ communication. Autotaxin influences important paracrine and endocrine signaling pathways. 

 

What is your favourite book?

Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes.

 

What is the most recent book you’ve read?

I mostly read children’s books nowadays…

 

What is your favourite amino acid, and why?

Leucine. Because it activates mTORC1, thereby enhancing anabolic programs and cell growth.

 

What are some of your hobbies?

Outdoor activities including biking, hiking, running, and sailing; Spending quality time with family.

 

What is your dream vacation?

Hiking/mountain biking trip in the Alps, or a trip to Tuscany, Italy.

 

What is the coolest project you’ve ever worked on?

I find that all projects I have worked on are cool ;-). One that stands out is a project as part of a large team effort to elucidate how adipose triglyceride lipase, which is critical for triacylglycerol breakdown, is regulated by its activating protein, CGI58.

 

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in lab?

I made many mistakes as part of my daily learning exercise. I tried not to repeat them (too often). Forgetting about my DNA gel to find out that all the PCR product has migrated into the buffer is one such mistake.

 

Do you have any advice or anything else you want to say?

These are difficult times for academic research. However, if you are passionate about science and willing to work hard, then pursuing a career in academic research can be highly rewarding. I consider myself very fortunate to enjoy the freedom to work on any research project of my interest and be able to interact with trainees and fellow researchers. I would follow the same career path again if I could start all over.