I’m an MD/PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Scientist Training Program, in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Gaffen, and I’m studying the functions of RNA-binding proteins in T cells mediating inflammatory disease. Previously, I studied spinal cord regeneration in the axolotl salamander with Dr Karen Echeverri and how to engineer human NK cells by CRISPR/Cas9 in the lab of Dr. Branden Moriarity. During my free time, I love to play and perform music in Pittsburgh and I’m also excited for planting/gardening season in the summer!
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Kenta Yamamoto, BS. I’m an MD/PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Scientist Training Program, and I’m currently working on my PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Gaffen in the Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology.
Where did you do your training?
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I received a BS in “Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development.” My research training started with Dr. Karen Echeverri where I studied spinal cord regeneration in the axolotl salamander, which is where my love for science began. After graduating, I worked in the lab of Dr. Branden Moriarity where I used CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer human natural killer (NK) cells. This sparked my interest in immunology and cytokine biology, which has led me to where I am now.
Briefly, what is your research about?
I am studying the functions of RNA-binding proteins in T cells mediating inflammatory disease. Post-transcriptional regulation is an often-overlooked aspect of immune regulation, and I’m fascinated by the mechanisms used by T cells to rapidly respond to various stimuli, such as through the control of RNA stability and translation. I have recently been using a model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) to investigate the T cell-intrinsic roles of RNA-binding proteins in the context of transplantation.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
I became a member about a year ago and attended my first Cytokines meeting last year in Seoul. It was an amazing experience to attend my first Cytokines meeting where I was able to learn from and network with scientists in my field, as well as speak to one of the keynote speakers Dr. Drew Weissman. Seoul was such a beautiful city as well and it was great to spend time in Korea for the meeting.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I was able to meet many of my collaborators in person for the first time, as well as meet some of my scientific heroes and the authors of some of my favorite papers.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
Cytokines 2024 in Seoul, which was my first Cytokines meeting! I was able to meet many collaborators as well as many people whose work I have followed for a long time. Travelling around Seoul with a lab mate for a few days after the conference was a blast too!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I love to play and perform music in Pittsburgh. I’m also excited for planting/gardening season in the summer!
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
(As a chronic over-worrier), I took it to heart when a faculty member told me, “Don’t worry too much – Sometimes the universe will make a decision for you.”
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I’m working through some books by Albert Camus (The Stranger, The Fall) in a book club right now. I’ve also been reading a collection of poems by Jorge Luis Borges, which I highly recommend for his absolutely beautiful writing.
What is your favorite cytokine?
IL-17, of course! (coming from the Gaffen lab). But a close runner up would have to be IL-15 because of my previous work with natural killer cells.