I’m a: biologist

My research: The shape of cells and organelles is partially driven by the shape of the lipid bilayer that constitute their membranes. Alterations in membrane shape and lipid composition are associated with several abnormalities including neurodegenerative disease and muscular dystrophy. But the mechanisms by which cells actively change lipid composition to promote changes in the shapes of membranes are poorly understood. To address this issue, we use the ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila, to study the role of lipid transfer proteins in the regulation of two events during which membrane shape changes drastically: cell-cell fusion and autophagy (cell self-eating). We employ bioinformatic approaches to identify candidate proteins then use genetic, microscopy, and biochemical methods to characterize cellular behavior upon manipulating these proteins. Importantly, this work may contribute to the understanding of disease states as abnormal cell-cell fusion or autophagy are associated with defective fertilization, muscle development, and cancer progression in humans.

What do you typically eat for breakfast? I typically skip breakfast

What is your favorite type of cuisine to cook? Haitian food

What is your favorite snack or candy? hummus

What is your favorite spice? cinnamon

What is one food you absolutely dislike? hot water cornbread

My 4 dream scientist dinner companions:

E.E. Just
Richard Feynman
Azra Raza
Gunther Blobel

Sabrice’s Recipe