Nasim Kajabadi
Research Summary: Skeletal muscle is composed of multinucleated muscle fibers, myogenic stem cells known as satellite cell (SC)s, and non-myogenic stromal cells. In response to damage however, SCs respond to an intricate network of different cellular mediators in their niche produced by a heterogeneous pool of stromal mesenchymal progenitors (MP)s. Fibro-Adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are a population of tissue-resident MPs that lie in the stromal space between myofibers and have been shown to be necessary for effective regeneration and maintenance of skeletal muscle (Cisternas et al., 2014a). When regeneration fails however, and skeletal muscle organization is disrupted, it can lead to various dystrophies, fibrosis, and atrophy.
Many studies have sought to understand the signalling pathways altered in muscular disorders like dystrophies and identify new therapeutic targets. In particular, elevated levels of b-CATENIN have been reported in the muscles of X chromosome-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) mice - a popular model used to study Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) (Trensz et al., 2010) . Besides, increase of b-CATENIN transcriptional activity in human skeletal muscle abnormalities is revealed in DMD and other myopathies (Ling et al., 2016). We generated a model of conditional b-catenin activation in MPs to examine the role of MPs and the canonical Wnt pathway in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis.
Personal Summary: After defending my master of science in cell and molecular biology from the “University of Isfahan” in 2013, I continued my collaboration with “Royan Institute” as a part time researcher. In 2015, my paper entitled “The Synergistic Enhancement of Cloning Efficiency in Individualized Human Pluripotent Stem Cells” was published as the result of my first academic research experience. In pursuit of my interest in science, I started PhD carrier at UBC in 2017. Rigorous research and affable atmosphere attracted me to the Rossi lab. I joined the lab in July 2018 starting my research in adult stem cell niche and its application in regenerative medicine. I have been enjoying both my scientific and personal life in Vancouver since then. Although I sometimes miss good old days of horse riding back home, Vancouver’s glamorous nature has never let me down. Its picturesque views during hiking makes me wonder could it be more beautiful?!
Many studies have sought to understand the signalling pathways altered in muscular disorders like dystrophies and identify new therapeutic targets. In particular, elevated levels of b-CATENIN have been reported in the muscles of X chromosome-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) mice - a popular model used to study Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) (Trensz et al., 2010) . Besides, increase of b-CATENIN transcriptional activity in human skeletal muscle abnormalities is revealed in DMD and other myopathies (Ling et al., 2016). We generated a model of conditional b-catenin activation in MPs to examine the role of MPs and the canonical Wnt pathway in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis.
Personal Summary: After defending my master of science in cell and molecular biology from the “University of Isfahan” in 2013, I continued my collaboration with “Royan Institute” as a part time researcher. In 2015, my paper entitled “The Synergistic Enhancement of Cloning Efficiency in Individualized Human Pluripotent Stem Cells” was published as the result of my first academic research experience. In pursuit of my interest in science, I started PhD carrier at UBC in 2017. Rigorous research and affable atmosphere attracted me to the Rossi lab. I joined the lab in July 2018 starting my research in adult stem cell niche and its application in regenerative medicine. I have been enjoying both my scientific and personal life in Vancouver since then. Although I sometimes miss good old days of horse riding back home, Vancouver’s glamorous nature has never let me down. Its picturesque views during hiking makes me wonder could it be more beautiful?!
