In honour of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), we spoke with different Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Associates at the CBR to highlight their research, share their stories and celebrate their journeys.

Dr. Yasin Tabataebaei, Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Brömme Lab

Tell me about your research.

Approximately 2 million Canadians suffer from an autoimmune disorder. These diseases arise when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells, failing to recognize them as its own. My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind autoimmune diseases. The role of proteases like cathepsins in this process is one promising area for further study. Cathepsins play a crucial role in the immune response. Several proteases, including cathepsins, break down foreign substances into smaller fragments known as antigens when they enter the body. To combat the perceived threat, the immune system recognizes these antigens and produces antibodies.

We hypothesize that cathepsins could also be involved in generating new antigens that trigger autoimmune reactions. Studying cathepsin function and interaction with other proteins will shed light on the molecular origins of autoimmune disease by revealing whether they contribute to misidentification of self from non-self. Our goal is to develop safer and more effective therapies and diagnostic tools against autoimmune disorders, but first we must understand the mechanisms that cause them.

What led you to the lab?

I have long been interested in the intersection of immunology and chemistry, especially in synthetic immunology. I am eager to tackle the challenge of developing new diagnostic tools and therapeutics for immunotherapy, particularly in underexplored areas of this field. Joining Dr. Brömme’s lab offers an ideal opportunity to pursue this goal and combine my passion for understanding disease mechanisms with my background in organic chemistry.

What do you like to do outside the lab?

I enjoy spending time with my family, cycling, music and hiking.

What advice would you give to someone still searching for a program/postdoc position?

Two suggestions:

• If a question doesn’t keep you awake at night, it might not be worth pursuing. If it doesn’t stir a deep passion, consider letting it go.
• Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

Thank you for speaking with us, Yasin! Learn more about National Postdoc Appreciation Week at UBC which recognizes the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery.