Research Junction Connecting Faculty Across Campus

1.    What is your educational background?

 

I like to call myself a "Structural Enzymologist." I completed my Bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Biochemistry from Delhi University, New Delhi, India. My Master’s and Doctoral Degree are in Molecular Biophysics from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. I was one of a few students chosen for the integrated MS-PhD program in a nationwide competitive examination. I completed my Postdoctoral training with Prof. Susan Taylor at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Overall, this training has shaped me into a person who understands the structural working of enzymes, hence "Structural Enzymologist."

 

2.    Where is your hometown?

 

I was born and raised in New Delhi, India. It is the capital city of India, a bustling metropolis with multiple cultures, religions, and languages co-existing in happy chaos!

 

3.    Why did you choose MUSC?

 

When I interviewed at MUSC, I was taken in by the warmth and the balance of this place. Junior faculty members are nurtured well here, and I needed that soil to start my lab. I have lived in very big cities all my life, but the cozy city of Charleston and the comfort of MUSC is much needed for me. 

 

4.    What are your current research interests and how did you become interested in this field?

 

Currently, I work on understanding the allosteric underpinnings of proteins that regulate phosphorylation-based signaling. Over my educational trajectory, I have picked up pieces of motivation for my own lab. During my undergrad, I worked in a Center for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab in New Delhi, similar to the NIH labs here in the United States. My very first independent project was to purify a serine protease from an allergen fungus. I still remember its name, Curvularia lunata. It was my first exposure to enzymology! For my master’s project, I worked on a Quercetin Oxygenase enzyme. This one was a bit more challenging as we were looking for candidate metal ions that would alter its activity. Eventually, I met my kin, my proteins of interest: protein phosphatases and protein kinases. These two enzymes work in opposing ways to regulate phosphorylation of proteins in cells. I worked with protein phosphatases during my Ph.D. training and specifically chose Prof. Taylor’s lab to work on protein kinases for my Postdoctoral studies. I continue to work on these two families of enzymes.

 

5.    What has been your biggest scientific contribution to date?

 

My biggest scientific contribution to date would be the elucidation of a “Violin model” of protein allostery. In the Taylor lab at UCSD, I worked alongside Dr. Kornev to understand how collective dynamics of amino acid residues in proteins orchestrate their catalytic activity. Using my structural biology and enzymology training, I was able to tie in the role of amino acid dynamics to enzyme catalysis. We also showed how certain mutations debilitate enzyme activity in Protein Kinase A (PKA) without changing its structure.

 

6.    Is there a scientific area/field you would like to know more about?

 

Currently, I am passionate about protein allostery. I feel there is a lot unknown, and more progress is needed, techniques and paradigm-wise. I hope that my hard work will allow me to contribute to the field and add to its discoveries.

 

7.    Would you like to connect with colleagues within a certain field? If so, what field/area?

 

Cancer biochemistry and signaling. Every cancer is different and has unique signaling circuitry. We work on some specific proteins that are important in cancer progression. This includes kinases like Src, PKC, and JAK and also protein phosphatases PTP1B, TC-PTP, SHP2, LAR, etc. While we are experts in protein structure and enzymology, I look forward to connecting with colleagues who can help us identify cancer-specific pathways and mutations in these proteins. Together we can look for inhibitor development and target appropriate small molecules to these proteins or their interacting partners.

 

8.    What are some of your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

 

Charleston is heaven! I enjoy long nature walks and a lazy morning with a book while sipping tea. I used to paint and although it has been a while since I have practiced or performed, I am trained in an Indian classical dance called Odissi. It’s the one with ornate costumes, etc. Interestingly, the foundations of this dance are rooted in mathematics. As a true Scientist, I also enjoy reading about the theoretical part of classical dance.

 

9.    What is your favorite movie, tv-show, food?

 

Out of the movies that were released over the last several years, my favorite is Life of Pi. The movie is beautifully layered, each time telling you something new. I am also a big fan of The Big Bang Theory. It’s a pity the show ended but I constantly re-watch episodes on YouTube. I am not very fussy about food. Anything simple and warm is good for me, like nicely done mashed potatoes.

 

10. Please share one interesting detail about yourself.

 

I daydream mostly about esoteric things that will never happen in real life. I loved Life of Pi; you can connect the dots here. I have a lot of questions in my head, and I am always seeking answers.

 

11. If you had a yacht, what would you name it?

 

Pisces…. The abundance of water

 

12. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

 

With all the drama, we would need Salma Hayek or Priyanka Chopra Jonas!

 

13. If you were not a scientist, you would be:

 

I would be an educator (which I am now). I enjoy reading and teaching.

 

14. What are the top three activities on your bucket list?

 

In no particular order: 1) Watch the Aurora Borealis, 2) have a home next to a river, 3) have my own organic farm.

 

15. What’s the best advice you were ever given?

 

“Everyone has their place in the sun.” Find your own and encourage others to find theirs. There is no need to compare your life with someone else’s. Work on your own soil. The sun is shining for everyone.

 

 

Drop Dr. Lalima K. Madan an email at ahujal@musc.edu.