ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Badwi (Bobby) Boumelhem is first author on ‘ Intracellular flow cytometric lipid analysis – a multiparametric system to assess distinct lipid classes in live cells’, published in JCS. Badwi (Bobby) conducted the research described in this article while a postdoc in the labs of Prof. Stuart Fraser and Prof. Stephen Assinder's at Medical Foundation Building, The University of Sydney, Australia. Badwi is now a postdoc in the lab of Prof. Simon Fleming and Prof. Marcela Bilek at the same institution, using pluripotent, embryonic stem cells to gain insight into the early stages of development.
Badwi (Bobby) Boumelhem
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Each cell in the human body requires energy for everyday function. The energy our cells use depend on the task we are performing, but we mostly use sugars (in the form of glucose), fats (lipids) and amino acids (protein). Our study used a 120-year-old clothing dye called Nile Blue, and its substituent Nile Red, to work out which fats are found in different tissues in the mouse. Fat tissue, as you would expect, is made up entirely of stored fat. Muscle tissue has some stored fat to be used as an energy reserve, but has access to readily available lipids inside each cell. The adrenal gland and testes have large amounts of stored lipids and free lipids to help with hormone production. Using the dyes, we also found a rare subset of cells in the liver that store vitamin A. We brought dyes first made in the 1800s into the 21st century, which can be used to give insight into how cells use energy.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in this project was preserving lipid reservoirs in freshly cryosectioned tissue. In particular, if freshly sliced brown and white adipose tissue are left to air-dry on the bench overnight, the adipocytes would morph in shape. To resolve this, we sectioned, fixed, stained and imaged on the same day. We extended this to all other tissues examined.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
When assessing the specificity of the Nile Blue and Nile Red, we initially started out with three of the major lipids, oleic, linoleic and palmitic acid. It was not until we had gradually expanded our panel to more than 70 lipids that we found that Nile Blue preferentially detects unsaturated free fatty acids with a carbon chain greater than or equal to 16. Having a clearly defined criteria for the staining of Nile Blue and Nile Red will forever stick with me.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
We chose the Journal of Cell Science because we believe that our method can be utilised in many facets of cell biology – from basic cell composition to disease progression. This may be of great interest to the readership of the journal. Additionally, The Company of Biologists has fair processes, is supportive and has sponsored developmental biology conferences where many ideas (including those reported in this paper) have been nurtured and discussed.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
Throughout my PhD and research tenure, I was very fortunate to have been exposed to so many talented and insightful individuals. I have been given alternative outlooks on research through the lens of the many academics I have worked with. Beyond the realm of research, many of my peers have become life-long friends and are always happy to offer life advice through their own experiences. The guidance was special because it felt personal and tailored to my own interests and plans.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
Growing up, I was always fascinated with the human body and how it works. That being said, the moment I fell in love with research was the moment I received a six-well plate with mouse embryonic stem cells. As nerdy as that sounds, it was the first moment where I felt that a lab is where I belong. I quickly learned that serendipity can play a big role in research as my PhD path took several detours due to some unusual findings. I also found I have a strong passion for microscopy and live-cell analytical techniques, which I now use daily.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
Aside from my mentors, one of my biggest role models is Prof. Shinya Yamanaka. His work on identifying the ‘Yamanaka factors’ for inducing pluripotency in adult cells was simply remarkable. He has changed the way we work with stem cells and has opened up many avenues in the field of regenerative medicine. Historically, I have always been in awe of the minds and works of Georges Lemaître, Marie Curie and Robert Oppenheimer.
What's next for you?
I am currently working with physicists and engineers to mesh cell biology with material science. One day I hope to branch out towards regenerative medicine with the skills and knowledge I have obtained over the course of my career.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I like to test the efficacy of different diet and exercise regimes on myself (n=1). I enjoy weightlifting and once participated in a powerlifting competition. I also enjoy fine art, museums and sampling coffee from the hundreds of different coffee roasters in Sydney.
Badwi (Bobby) Boumelhem's contact details: Medical Foundation Building, 50-55 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
E-mail: badwi.boumelhem@sydney.edu.au