Get to know Aftab Nadeem – New UCMR PI

Aftab Nadeem is the new PI within the Umeå Center for Microbial research, UCMR, and associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.

ImagePalwasha Baryalai

Umeå University is a top destination for early career scientists, offering both a supportive atmosphere and excellent conditions for conducting research.

Why did you want to join UCMR What are your expectations?

”As a cell biologist, I aim to extend my research network at Umeå University. Also, I want to establish fruitful collaborations that can help me answer important scientific questions in the research field of host-pathogen interactions. Through UCMR, I’m looking forward to meeting and establishing collaborations with researchers from multidisciplinary fields!”

What is your research about?

“Our goal is to better understand the molecular mechanisms through which microbial proteins interact with the eukaryotic host cell. Using a combination of scientific approaches that include i) high-throughput screening, ii) RNA sequencing, and iii) high-resolution microscopy, we aim to understand the cellular processes responsible for bacteria pore-forming toxins (PFTs) induced cell death. In addition, we aim to explore the novel biotechnological applications of PFTs.”

What was it that made you choose to study and work in this subject?

“Throughout my scientific career I was involved in several multidisciplinary and translational research projects. My Ph.D. work at Lund university and Postdoctoral training at Umeå university was instrumental in establishing my interest in multidisciplinary research.”

“Cell membranes are essential structural elements in all kingdoms of life. The eukaryotic cell membrane is responsible for a variety of biological functions, including molecular transport and activation of intracellular signaling cascades important for cell proliferation. Lipid component of the cell membrane is of particular importance as they have a critical role in membrane microdomain architecture, and membrane trafficking. Several lines of evidence suggest that lipids have a crucial role in different phases of host–pathogen interactions. PFTs secreted by a wide range of bacterial pathogens represent a special class of membrane-damaging proteins. They exert their cytolytic effects by punching 'holes' into the target cell membrane, thus destroying the cell membrane and inducing cell death. PFTs are mainly synthesized as water-soluble monomeric molecules, and in contact with target cell membranes, they undergo conformational change and form membrane-inserted oligomeric pores. Interestingly, we recently discovered a previously unknown phenomenon of cell membrane tubulation by an α-PFT MakA (motility-associated killing factor A), secreted by Vibrio cholerae. It will be important to investigate if PFTs secreted by other bacterial species can also cause tubulation of lipid membranes.”

What is it like to do research at Umeå University?

“It has been over five years since I have been working at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. During this period, I had the privilege of establishing collaborative projects with many talented scientists from various departments within the university. The core imaging facilities at the university are one of the best I have witnessed in my career. I can confidently say that I have felt incredibly supported throughout my time, and I cannot imagine finding this level of scientific support anywhere else. In my opinion, Umeå University is a top destination for early career scientists, offering both a supportive atmosphere and excellent conditions for conducting research.”

What is your best advice to younger researchers?

“A healthy work-life balance will not only improve your overall well-being but also help you be more productive and focused when you are at work. Additionally, never stop learning and exploring new ideas. Being a scientist its important to build a strong collaborative network within your field of research. This will provide you a valuable support and open up new avenues for career growth and development.”

What do you like to do when you do not work?

“I spend quality time with my family and friends. In addition, I love eating good quality food, especially nicely cooked meat. Whenever time permits, I enjoy playing computer games.”