I am Tsan Sam Xiao, a Professor of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Our research program focuses on mechanistic studies of innate immunity and inflammatory signaling, particularly the inflammasome pathways. Out of the lab, I consider myself an avid runner: I have run a few marathons and dipped my toes (no pun intended) in ultras lately. Running keeps me physically fit and mentally sharp, and joining running clubs has been a great way to make new friends outside the usual scientific circle.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
I am Tsan Sam Xiao, a Professor of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Where did you do your training?
I received my PhD studying apoptosis and death domains at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas under the guidance of Stephen R. Sprang. I did my postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School with Tim Springer investigating integrins and cell adhesion.
Briefly, what is your research about?
Our research program focuses on mechanistic studies of innate immunity and inflammatory signaling, particularly the inflammasome pathways. Recent work from my lab has provided insights into the structure and function of gasdermins, and the regulation of gasdermin localization through S-acylation implicated in membrane pore assembly and pyroptosis. The cross-regulation of protein lipidation and their localization or function is an exciting area of investigation.
Tell us your thoughts about the Cytokines Society: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
I think the Cytokines Society is among the most engaging and exciting societies that I have been associated with. I have met many collaborators and good friends through the Society. The international platform it provides for networking, professional development and knowledge sharing is simply exceptional. I highly encourage students and young investigators to engage with the Society early and often. In these times of turmoil and uncertainty, the Society and the general scientific community must unite to maintain integrity, foster collaboration, protect scientific progress, and fight for the next generation of scientists.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Since my first Cytokines meeting in 2008, I have met many scientists with whom we have become friends and/or collaborated through the years, for example Kate Fitzgerald, Eicke Latz, Jenny Ting, Xiaoxia Li, etc. After all, scientific research is inherently a personal experience.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
I suppose my first one would be one of my favorites. I have attended many Cytokines meetings since my first one in 2008, when the meeting was held at Montreal, Canada and was a joint meeting of the International Cytokine Society (ICS) and the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (ISICR). I met many luminaries in the field and really enjoyed the meeting as a young PI. I was also puzzled by the fact that these two societies with such close relationship and scientific focus had remained separate societies. It made sense for them to merge together, which finally happened a few years later.
I have to mention that in Cytokines 2018 meeting at Boston, I first saw the amazing Metabollix band by Luke O’Neill with special guest John O’Shea, on a dinner cruise, no less. The music was fantastic and everybody was dancing. It was a blast!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I consider myself an avid runner, which, unbeknown to me, seems to be a very popular pursuit during the proverbial “midlife crisis”. I have run a few marathons and dipped my toes (no pun intended) in ultras lately. My wife jokes that I have become “one of them” crazy all weather, all terrain, almost all distance trail runner! Running keeps me physically fit and mentally sharp, and joining running clubs has been a great way to make new friends outside the usual scientific circle.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
During graduate school at UT Southwestern, I was advised that in science and in life, “quality is everything”!
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Recently I have been listening to an audio book “Life and Death in the Andes” by Kim MacQuarrie, during my long runs. This book tells many fascinating stories in connection with the Andes Mountains. One of the stories is about Charles Darwin’s discoveries in South America that led to his theory of natural selection. He was exceptionally observant, but also extremely lucky!
I do not have much time for TV shows but I am a fan of the Sci-fi TV series “The Expanse”. Humans must have been fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos for millennia. The idea of other universes pushes the boundaries of science, our existence, and the nature of reality.
What is your favorite cytokine?
IL-1β and IL-18 are my favorites, as they are activated downstream of the inflammasome signaling pathways that my lab has been studying for 20 years.
Connect with Tsan Sam Xiao on Bluesky: @tsanxiao
Lab website: https://case.edu/medicine/pathology/faculty/tsan-sam-xiao