Staff Profile: Up Close with Associate Professor Anjali Kusumbe
By Sanjay Devaraja, Editor, LKCMedicine's Redefine Newsletter |
The School is delighted to welcome Dr Anjali Kusumbe, Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at LKCMedicine in October 2024. Her work focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying vascular-tissue and vascular-immune interactions during ageing, regeneration, and cancer metastasis.
Dr Kusumbe and her research team have made significant progress in the field, resulting in publications in renowned journals, including Cell, EMBO Journal, and Science Advances. She pioneered a simple yet efficient pipeline for imaging intact calcified tissues, enabling superfast, single-cell resolution, and quantitative 3D imaging of bones, leading to the groundbreaking discovery of lymphatic vessels in bones. This discovery has the potential to open new therapeutic avenues in bone repair and regeneration.
Dr Kusumbe shares with us more on her contributions to research, how she mentors students to achieve their best, as well as her life in Singapore after joining LKCMedicine.
Please share with us what goes on in your lab.
Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms driving vascular and tissue ageing. We study age-related changes in both blood and lymphatic vessels and explore how these changes influence cancer and leukaemia progression, immune cell dynamics and regeneration. Ageing is a critical factor in many cancers; cancer cells can remain dormant in the bone for decades before re-emerging as bone metastases. We investigate how ageing vascular microenvironments affect the behaviour of disseminated tumour cells and development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Ageing also profoundly alters immune system function, as starkly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We seek to understand how vascular ageing impacts immune cell production, migration, and overall resilience. By addressing these questions, our ultimate goal is to uncover molecular targets to combat age-related diseases and enable healthier ageing.
How has imaging played an important role in discoveries during your scientific career?
Yes, absolutely. Since my postdoc, I have developed novel imaging methods that not only led to the discovery of specialised blood vessels in bones but also enabled insights into their function. While I deeply enjoy the process of developing imaging techniques, my primary motivation is to use these tools to address pressing research questions.
The spatial information obtained through imaging is central to my work, offering insights into the complex interactions and crosstalk during cancer progression and other age-associated diseases. Our overarching goal is to advance imaging technologies to enhance our understanding of, and ability to treat, cancer and other age-related conditions. I envision the imaging tools we develop not only driving our own research forward but also becoming invaluable resources for other scientists tackling their own challenges. Moreover, I am optimistic that these technologies will soon find practical applications in clinical settings.
Can you describe your engagement and experience in mentoring students?
Over the past years, I have been fortunate to host many externally funded students visiting my lab. This includes four Master’s students funded through Erasmus+ and 12 PhD students funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council. My approach to mentorship focuses on creating a supportive environment that fosters each student’s growth as a scientist. When a new student joins my lab, I dedicate significant time during the first six months to understanding their individual needs and goals. I believe in tailoring mentorship to provide a personalised experience that aligns with their aspirations and learning style. I also emphasise the importance of independence during the PhD journey. I encourage students to take ownership of their projects while providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed. My ultimate aim is to empower them to develop into confident, capable researchers who are prepared for the next stage of their careers.
What are your hobbies and interests, and how has your life changed after moving to Singapore?
I am a passionate foodie. I've been fortunate to showcase my culinary talents through cooking competitions, earning awards that continue to fuel my passion. Recently, after an informal lunch with the Dean and new faculty, I was inspired to organise an Indian food evening, which I’m excited to plan in the coming months. A significant part of my life now revolves around supporting my daughter’s extracurricular activities. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience seeing her accomplishments. I also deeply value spending quality time with my family, whether it’s traveling together or simply enjoying each other’s company. Living in Singapore has been a transformative experience, especially in terms of my connection to my family back in India. This proximity has deepened my sense of connection and brought immense joy to my life.
What else do you wish to accomplish at LKCMedicine and beyond?
Gender inequality in STEM fields remains a significant challenge. Despite some progress, women still face considerable obstacles in advancing to leadership positions in academia and research. I am deeply committed to addressing these issues and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in science.
At LKCMedicine, I plan to collaborate with the School and the University on existing initiatives, such as the Women in Science programme, to promote gender equality within the academic community. By actively contributing to these programmes, I aim to support the professional development of women in STEM, advocate for policies that remove barriers, and help create more leadership opportunities for women in science and research.
Beyond LKCMedicine, I hope to extend these efforts on a broader scale, partnering with international networks to empower women in STEM disciplines and drive systemic change. My goal is to contribute to a future where talent is nurtured and recognised regardless of gender, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their careers.