Valeriya Smaliy is a fourth-year PhD student at UCSC studying how the long non-coding RNA GAPLINC regulates inflammation in macrophages. Her recent work identified MCCC1 as a binding partner, revealing unexpected connections between GAPLINC and mitochondrial metabolism. Beyond the lab, she’s spontaneous, discovering a love for oysters, and finding wisdom in Dostoevsky.
Please tell us who you are and a little bit about your position and training.
My name’s Valerie, I’m a fourth year PhD student in the Carpenter lab at UCSC in California. I did my undergraduate degree at UCSC too, although my research journey began in an on-campus environmental sciences lab. I enjoyed measuring leaf and petiole areas, but I decided to try something new in the Carpenter lab and transitioned into mammalian lncRNA research.
Briefly, what is your research about?
I study long non‑coding RNA GAPLINC’s mechanism in macrophages. GAPLINC has previously been characterized as a negative regulator of inflammation. My work using RNA Antisense Purification coupled with mass spectrometry identified MCCC1 as a binding partner, suggesting that GAPLINC modulates macrophage inflammatory responses through interactions with mitochondrial metabolic machinery.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
Mitochondrial research seems to pop up in the most unexpected places, and I was happy to find out new information on it and Acetyl-CoA at the recent conference (shoutout to our keynote speaker!)
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I enjoyed meeting a variety of colleagues and seniors, and I had a lot of fun spontaneously visiting the Space Needle with a new conference friend. It wasn’t even raining at the time, so that was a bonus.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
I’ve only been to one Cytokines meeting so far, but seeing our new ICIS president playing with “Nite Wave” was truly special.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I’m trying to be healthy by going to the gym. Not sure if I like it, but it sure feels good after. I also recently found out I like to eat oysters, although the risks might make that not so healthy.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
“The time will pass anyway.” I guess I might as well do something useful in the meantime.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
If you’d like to put aside your experimental conundrums and have a good cry (with a murder mystery subplot), I highly recommend Brothers Karamazov.
What is your favorite cytokine?
I love them all equally of course.