MOPGA: Interview with Sara SHAKIR, researcher in biotechnology

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to biotechnology research?

I’ve been curious about nature since I was very young. Growing up in a farming community, I saw how plant diseases impacted livelihoods, which sparked my interest in plant health. When I learned that viruses, despite having the smallest genomes, could hijack entire plants, I was fascinated. How could something so tiny manipulate such complex organisms? That question stuck with me. These experiences motivated me to pursue a PhD in biotechnology, specializing in plant virology. Viruses are master manipulators; understanding how they take over a plant's cellular machinery not only has practical applications for agriculture but also reveals fundamental insights into plant biology. It’s a field full of open questions, which makes the research both exciting and impactful.

How does your project align with the MOPGA research themes on climate change and sustainability science?

My research directly addresses global food security, which lies at the heart of sustainability science. Climate change is shifting the dynamics of insect vectors that transmit plant viruses, making outbreaks more frequent and severe. By studying the molecular mechanisms of these plant-virus interactions, I aim to develop crops resilient to viral infections. This fits perfectly within the MOPGA framework, focusing on sustainable agriculture and food security in the face of a changing climate. 

INRAE, where I am conducting my research, is one of the leading global institutions in plant health. The opportunity to work with experts in plant virology and access state-of-the-art facilities made France an ideal choice. 

 

What inspired you to apply for a visiting fellowship in a French laboratory? Why France?

France has a longstanding reputation for excellence in plant sciences and biotechnology. INRAE, where I am conducting my research, is one of the leading global institutions in plant health. The opportunity to work with experts in plant virology and access state-of-the-art facilities made France an ideal choice. Besides research, MOPGA program emphasizes sustainability and international collaboration, which aligns closely with my scientific vision. 

What are some recent exciting developments in your research?

One exciting area is uncovering how cereal viruses, like barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), take over plant cellular machinery and manipulate their biology. During my MOPGA fellowship, I have used high-throughput proteomics and advanced imaging to develop a comprehensive protein-protein interaction map between BYDV and the plants (N. benthamiana; a model plant for virus research and wheat). By applying AI tools like AlphaFold, we’re modeling these interactions in 3D, paving the way for targeted resistance strategies in crops.

Addressing global agricultural challenges, like viral epidemics, requires a united approach that combines interdisciplinary expertise and international cooperation.

 

How has the MOPGA fellowship contributed to your professional and personal growth?

Professionally, the fellowship has given me access to cutting-edge research facilities and the chance to collaborate with some of the leading scientists in plant virology. It has also helped me expand my skill set, particularly in high-resolution imaging and structural biology, areas that are critical to advancing my research. On a personal level, living and working in France has broadened my cultural perspective and strengthened my ability to navigate and contribute to international research environments.

What are your next projects or future research directions?

Moving forward, I’m focused on bridging the gap between single-cell biology and population-level responses in plant-virus interactions. Viruses are highly dynamic, yet we know very little about how their activities are coordinated across the cell, tissue, and whole-plant levels. My goal is to integrate advanced imaging, molecular biology, and genome editing tools to create a spatio-temporal map of molecular processes establishing viral infection in plants. I’m also excited about strengthening international collaborations. Along these lines, I am happy to initiate a project with South African researchers to study cereal viruses in Africa. This project was awarded funding by the PROTEA program (PHC) managed by Campus France for both ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Higher Education and Research, underscoring the importance of cross-border scientific efforts. I believe that addressing global agricultural challenges, like viral epidemics, requires a united approach that combines interdisciplinary expertise and international cooperation.