Meet the Editor: Sassan Asgari 

Meet the Editor: Sassan Asgari 

Sassan Asgari has served as an Editor-in-Chief for Insect Molecular Biology since the beginning of 2023. Insect Molecular Biology is the RES journal that focuses on insect genomics/genes and proteomics/proteins, and this interview gives a glimpse into one of the key people behind the journal.  

How did your academic career develop, and what led you to entomology in particular? 

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Crop Protection, which included a mix of plant pathology, entomology, and plant health courses. After my first entomology course, I developed a passion for insects. For my postgraduate studies, I moved to Adelaide, Australia. Initially, I was interested in insect systematics, but during rotations in various labs at the University of Adelaide, I encountered a captivating story about virus-like particles and venom proteins that parasitoid wasps inject into caterpillars to facilitate successful parasitism. This became the focus of my research during my Masters, PhD, and an Australian Research Council fellowship from 1992 to 2003. An exciting yet challenging aspect of this topic was its multidisciplinary nature, which introduced me to virology, insect physiology and immunity, and, most importantly, molecular biology. I was fortunate to be mentored by the late Professors Otto Schmidt and Ulrich Theopold, who were incredible human beings and a source of inspiration. After my fellowship, in late 2003, I accepted a lecturer position at the University of Queensland, where I set up my lab focusing on insect host-pathogen interactions and exploring a variety of insect viruses and microorganisms associated with insects. Over the past decade, most of our research has concentrated on mosquito-Wolbachia-virus interactions and RNA biology in insects, including the role of small non-coding RNAs in insect biology. 

“The most rewarding aspect of my job has been collaborating with research students and postdocs. I enjoy mentoring them, engaging in discussions about science, and witnessing their growth as they embark on exciting careers.”

– Sassan Asgari 

What do you appreciate the most about being involved with the RES?

I feel great about contributing to a respected journal in my community, which is also part of a society that is doing significant work in promoting entomology. 

What is the best part of your role as EiC of your journal?

As an EiC, I get exposure to a wide variety of excellent scientific research in insect molecular biology and have the opportunity to work with my fellow EiCs and Associate Editors. 

What has been your most exciting or interesting research discovery? Why?

I find it challenging to choose, but the role of microRNAs in gene regulation across kingdoms and phyla truly fascinates me. We demonstrated that human blood microRNAs taken up by mosquitoes are transferred into mosquito tissues in biologically significant amounts, where they regulate mosquito genes. One specific miRNA we identified was human miR-21, which regulates the vitellogenin gene, a crucial gene in mosquito reproduction and egg development.  

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

A super memory! Because I am losing my memory fast. 

Where are you hoping your research (or career) will take you next?

We strive to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between mosquitoes and viruses. We hope that this foundational knowledge will lead to translational research aimed at reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne viruses, thereby lessening the burden of diseases caused by these viruses. 

If you could wake up with any new skill, what would it be?

Playing a musical instrument. 

What motto do you live your life by?

Life is too short; enjoy it and be forgiving.