Interview with Dr. Aleksandra Twarda-Cłapa—Winner of the Cells 2022 Best Paper Award

We had the pleasure of meeting her online and had a discussion in which we learned more about her background, views, and interests.

The following is a brief interview with Dr. Aleksandra Twarda-Clapa:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?  
I am an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology in Poland. My scientific interests focus on protein-protein/protein-ligand interactions, as well as molecular and structural biology. Since 2020, I have been the principal investigator of the SONATINA project entitled “Chasing the HARE: characterization of the binding mechanism of new and unexplored ligands of the hyaluronic acid receptor, stabilin-2”, and financed by the National Science Centre, Poland.

2. Could you introduce your current research direction and progress?
My current research focuses on the human hyaluronic acid receptor, stabilin-2 (HARE/Stab2). This protein is involved in many physiological processes (e.g., removal of harmful substances from the bloodstream, such as the AGEs: advanced glycation end products) and pathological processes (e.g., diabetes, cancer). This receptor can potentially be used in precise drug delivery to cells, and the aim of the SONATINA project is, among others, to determine the three-dimensional structures of protein fragments. 

3. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
One of the remaining biggest challenges in my field is obtaining high amounts of pure protein preparations that can then be crystallized. This brings us to the next bottleneck, i.e., the crystallization process.
Concerning breakthrough innovations in structural biology, it is definitely the development of the cryoEM method for the determination of three-dimensional structures of biomolecules.

4. What appealed to you about Cells that made you want to submit your paper? And how was your experience submitting to Cells?
I had to find a journal that would accept such a broad review manuscript. The short time from submission to decision was another factor. The submission process is, in my opinion, user-friendly.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
Do not give up easily; often, the most important results appear in the end. I would also like to encourage young mothers who took a break to give birth and raise their children to return to their scientific careers, despite the difficulties.

We would like to congratulate Dr. Aleksandra Twarda-Cłapa on winning the Cells 2022 Best Paper Award!