Bibekananda Sahoo, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, arrived at Case Western Reserve University in fall 2020, fresh after completing a PhD program in India.
Working under the mentorship of Xinghong Dai at the School of Medicine, Sahoo uses cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) to investigate protein structures central to various human diseases and to advance structure-based drug discovery.
His research on Ninjurin (NINJ) proteins, recently published in the prestigious journal Cell, demonstrates that NINJ1 actively drives the rupture of a cell’s membrane during lytic cell death, challenging the long-held belief that this process is solely caused by osmotic pressure. Using cryoEM, Sahoo and his colleagues uncovered the molecular mechanism by which NINJ1 triggers plasma membrane rupture (PMR), the final step in a lytic cell death pathway. The precise regulation of PMR is critical for controlling inflammation, and these structural insights into NINJ1 open new avenues for therapeutic development against sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.
Outside of the lab, Sahoo prioritizes spending time with his family, fishing, bowling and traveling to recharge and foster creativity in his research.
1. What has been your best experience so far as a CWRU postdoc?
The best part of being a postdoc at CWRU has been the freedom, flexibility and independence I have in conducting my research. This environment allows me to explore innovative ideas, design experiments that align with my interests, and tackle challenges creatively. The supportive culture and access to state-of-the-art resources further enhance my ability to grow as a researcher and make meaningful contributions to my field.
2. How do you think the postdoctoral experience at CWRU is helping you prepare and advance toward your goals?
During my postdoctoral research at CWRU, I have developed advanced technical and analytical skills, particularly in cryoEM studies of membrane-embedded proteins. Leveraging cutting-edge cryogenic electron microscopy facilities at the Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, high-performance computing resources, and interdisciplinary collaborations, I broadened my expertise in structural biology. This experience has provided a strong foundation for my future independent research.
3. What’s your best piece of advice on how postdocs can make the most of their postdoc career and prepare for their future goals?
The postdoc stage is likely the final step of training before independence, making it essential to maximize this opportunity. While maintaining a work-life balance is important, being productive during this period is equally crucial, as it can lay the foundation for your future. Every postdoc’s research environment is unique, and only you can effectively assess what it offers and how to benefit from it. Make informed decisions, adapt to your circumstances, collaborate, and stay productive—hopefully, this path will lead you to success.
4. What are your career goals after your postdoc?
My next career goal is to obtain a tenure-track research faculty position to further advance my work in the field of structure-based drug design.