- Start
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Research supported
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Research environments
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Strong research environments
- From cell to vertebrate
From cell to vertebrate
The researchers involved are all development biologists engaged on research on how various cells and organ systems in vertebrates develop in the foetal stage. The four research groups are now to share a joint environment.
‘ We'll study a few different growth factors and hormones, and see how they function in the pancreas and various parts of the nervous system. If, for instance, we know that molecule A activates molecule B in the pancreas, we can find out how this happens in the brain as well,´ relates Professor Carlos Ibanez of Karolinska Institutet, who heads one of the research groups.
The researchers are also collaborating on various methods. To clarify vertebrate development, they use cell cultures, in vitro (test-tube) studies and various experimental animals, such as mouse and chicken.
Several applications
The researchers carry out basic research. They seek to understand the workings of various molecules and signal mechanisms, and what pushes cell development in different directions so that one type of cell becomes differentiated from another.
But this research can also increase our knowledge of various diseases. This is because the same signal mechanisms that operate in foetal development are also involved in pathological processes in adults.
‘ The diseases that seem most suitable for us to study are metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes, and diseases of the nervous system like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.´
Their basic research may also culminate in new drugs.
‘ Some of the molecules we are researching are being tested clinically on patients with Parkinson's disease, for example.´
Development biology is also the basis for the use of stem cells for regenerative purposes. Researchers hope, in the future, to be able to use stem cells to create new tissues and cells. The latter may be beta-cells in a pancreas that no longer produces insulin or nerve cells in patients with Parkinson's or nerve damage.
More attractive environment
This research-environment initiative will also involve annual conferences, and joint teaching and supervision for the postdoctoral researchers. The new grouping should also make it easier to recruit good researchers from outside Sweden, thinks Carlos Ibanez.
‘ Applying to joining the new shared research environment, rather than an individual research group, should be more attractive for foreign researchers.´
Story: Peter Tillhammar
Photograph on start page (Human embryo three days after fertilisation): Science Photo Library/IBL Bildbyrå
Photo on article page (Professor Carlos Ibanez): ORASIS Foto
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