Member Spotlight: Elaine Fuchs, PhD

Elaine Fuchs, PhD
Rockefeller University, USA

Hometown
Downers Grove, Illinois

Current Residence
New York City, USA

Graduate Degree
BS in Chemistry with Highest Honors; University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana; PhD in Biochemistry, Princeton University

Postdoc Work
Damon Runyon Postdoctoral Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA; Assistant through Full Professor at University of Chicago

Current Position
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University

• What is the current focus of your research?

  The skin epithelium is our barrier to the outside world. It must be constantly rejuvenated, a task given to adult stem cells. After contributing to the isolation and characterization of the skin epithelial stem cells and their niches and learning how they make and repair the epidermis, hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, my laboratory has been focusing on how these stem cells cope with the various external traumas that confront them. In doing so, we discovered that the stem cells acquire and retain epigenetic memories of inflammation and wound repair, that endow them with the capacity to respond more quickly and broadly upon the next assault. Such memories can be beneficial when it comes to accelerated wound repair or broader resistance to pathogens, but they can also be maladaptive and lead to chronic inflammation and likely increased risk of cancer. We are exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in these memories and the consequences to human health and fitness.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  In 2023, the World Health Organization ranked chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human life. They can affect nearly all the tissues of our body and with dire consequences. There are many risk factors that heighten these pathologies, including mechanical stress, pollution, allergens, chemical irritants, aging, obesity, smoking and Western diets. My laboratory discovered that the stem cells of our tissues can acquire and maintain memories of their inflammatory experiences for months after the inflammation has resolved, and that such memories render tissues more sensitive to subsequent encounters. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these memories, we've begun to unravel why in many chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. psoriasis, eczema, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease), the inflammation can come and go, and when it recurs it often does so in the same places as before and with heightened and broadened specificity. We hope that our findings will lead to new and improved therapeutics that can improve tissue function and fitness.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  As a scientist in skin and stem cell biology, I'm excited to discover how our skin functions. In health, the skin replenishes itself, heals its wounds and effectively copes with a variety of stresses ranging from infections to mechanical trauma and shifts in climate. But over time, our skin ages, inflammation can become chronic, and the susceptibility to cancers rises. In uncovering the mysteries underlying the skin, I hope to advance our knowledge of stem cell biology in general and in opening new avenues for improved therapeutics for treating cancer and inflammatory disorders.

  As a professor in cell biology and development, it is a joy to mentor a graduate student or postdoc who begins in my lab as a diamond in the rough---someone who may have the potential to think creatively, critically and outside the box, but who lacks the ability and confidence to do so--and build their confidence and bring out their brilliance. My role as a mentor is to create a laboratory environment that fosters a trainee's career development and builds leadership not through lessons from me, but rather in subtle ways in which the trainee takes ownership in the process and recognizes his/her fellow labmates for their mentorship. A successful lab head mentor should not expect recognition for mentorship; rather the satisfaction must be within the joy of seeing a trainee transition to independence and over time accomplish more than what I can do.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  As a child, I loved the aspects of science and discovery. My mom made the best butterfly net in the neighborhood, and I was satisfied spending my days in the fields and swamps. After majoring in chemistry and never taking a biology course as an undergraduate, I decided to go to graduate school in biochemistry to become more involved in biomedical research. Nearing completion of my PhD in bacterial sporulation, I heard a seminar by the late Howard Green, who had isolated cells from human skin that he could passage endlessly and still make skin. They were called keratinocytes at the time, but in fact these were the first stem cells ever cultured. I was fascinated and fortunate that he allowed me to come to his lab to learn the system and as importantly, to learn to think like a cell biologist.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Your goal as a graduate student should be to learn how to do a well-controlled experiment. This entails not only setting up the controls for your favorite hypothesis, but also controls that cover alternative possibilities, enabling you to maximize the interpretation of your results. With a cohort of experimental tools under your belt and this fundamental knowledge essential for investigation, the next big question is what science are you passionate about and what are your weaknesses/limitations. Focus on these for your postdoctoral studies. Be fearless, allow your curiosity and creativity to shine and do not worry about your future! This last piece of advice is key--had I ever worried about a job or my future, I'd never be where I'm at today----I had passion, curiosity and creativity, but no confidence. Fortunately, I didn't worry or think too far ahead---these things only take up precious time and energy that you could be devoting to a wonderful vacation!

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  Howard Green was an inspiration to me. I always left his office thinking that he didn't understand anything I was explaining to him. I only realized in retrospect that shortly after each of these conversations, I came up with a great idea. Later in life I realized that his questions were his way of mentoring. Another facet of Howard is that he was always calm and collected and had other interests that went beyond his science. These lessons learned have helped me in my life and my career in stem cell research.

• How do you spend your free time?

  In another life, I'd like to be a National Geographic photographer. When I met my husband some 40 years ago, both of us shared in common an interest in traveling. We've been traveling together ever since. I just returned from our 6th safari in Africa, this one in Kenya. Next year, we have plans to go to India for our 7th trip. There are so many places in the world---I love to capture each moment with a photo. We also enjoy the ballet, symphony, opera and great places to eat--sushi of course is the best....Finally, my husband has been the Director of Philosophy at Teacher's College at Columbia University. He has devoted his life to his students and to writing books that center on aspects that go beyond merely a knowledge of subject that is important in creating a learning environment. While I don't read the heavy duty philosophy that has gone into his books, he has taught me a great deal as to how to foster a learning environment in my lab. A philosopher never tells people what to do, but rather he/she creates the situation for learning to happen effectively. It has been a great lesson in life. Perhaps this is a fitting ending to this question as it is important not to separate your profession from your life.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  Perhaps that when I began as a student and into my faculty position, I had no sense of my abilities as a scientist. When my fellow postdocs received rejection notices from the University of Chicago, I thought mine must have gotten lost in the mail. It hadn't. I got the job. Even then, I was joystruck in thinking that I was going to be paid for 5 years to do what I was passionate about doing! Again, it deals with the value in not looking too far ahead, and in holding dear to you the sense that you can always do better and should try to do so.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  ISSCR is a wonderful international community of colleagues. Science has no borders and scientists are in many ways able to cut across political boundaries, and admire and learn from each other no matter where we live and work. At ISSCR meetings, we have a chance to meet, share ideas and enjoy each others' company. We also have the opportunity to hear and discuss with the next generations of terrific young scientists who have the passion, excitement and opportunity to present their research at this meeting.

• What excites you most about ISSCR 2024 in Hamburg, Germany?

  Having the opportunity to share our most recent scientific discoveries, interact with my international colleagues and meet the best and brightest young scientists. Perhaps like me some years ago, one of these scientists will hear my talk and be inspired to carry out research on the skin and its stem cells!