In Vivo 14

in vivo April 2011

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Issue 14

NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE

IRB Barcelona renews and reinforces partnership with Barcelona Supercomputing Center The addition of three labs to the collaboration doubles the number of groups sharing resources to apply data-crunching power to solve questions about human health No single research institute can effectively tackle the complexities

agreement. The collaboration, established in 2007, has provided a

of molecular life sciences on its own. In order to carry out research

successful platform for interaction in which the two institutes share

that will ultimately lead to benefits for human health, a multidisci-

resources and services in order to tackle some of today’s most compli-

plinary approach that draws on the knowledge and abilities of experts

cated questions in biocomputational research.

working in different fields, and with access to different powerful facilities and infrastructures, is essential.

Modesto Orozco, Patrick Aloy, and now Xavier Salvatella from IRB

IRB Barcelona and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) have agreed to extend and expand their institutional partnership

02

Groups participating in the Joint Research Programme include Barcelona, and Victor Guallar and now Juan Fernández Recio and David Torrents from the BSC.

In focus

Faces to names

New research in Eduard Batlle’s lab has

After completing her PhD in 2004,

shed important light on the implication

Cristina Horcajada left academia for

of stem cells in cancer. The team has

the world of industry. She recently

discovered not only that the hierarchy

took over the reigns of IRB Barce-

of colorectal cancer cells is similar to

lona’s Innovation Department from

that of healthy intestinal cells, but that

Jorge Domínguez. Find out why she

those cancer cells that resemble intestinal

thinks tech transfer is crucial to IRB’s

stem cells may even cause relapse of the

future, and what’s in store for innova-

disease. Story on page 2.

tion at the Institute on page 4.

News from the Core Facilities

03

2nd PhD Student Symposium

05

A new Joint Health and Safety Service

07

At the “Recerca en Directe” science fair

IN FOCUS

A step forward in understanding the role of stem cells in cancer

I

n their latest experiments, Eduard Batlle’s team have made two significant discoveries. The first is that in colon cancer – the second cause of death by cancer – there is a similar cell hierarchy to that of healthy intestinal cells. The second is that those cancer cells that resemble intestinal stem cells are the

ones responsible for relapse, which occurs in 40% of cancer patients. These findings appeared online in Cell Stem Cell in March.

Intestinal cells are organized in a

genes specific of normal stem cells, the likeli-

hierarchical fashion, that is to say, one

hood of a relapse increases widely.

cell type generates all other types after

“These findings have diagnostic potential

successive stages of maturation and

because they can be used to identify patients

differentiation. The work performed by

who are more susceptible to relapse,”

Anna Merlos-Suarez, together with other

explains Batlle, “but also, in the long-term,

members of IRB Barcelona’s Colorectal

these results may be of therapeutic value

Cancer Lab, headed by Eduard Batlle,

because they indicate that treatment should

demonstrates that the cells that make

be aimed at the tumor stem cells”.

up the colon tumor have a very similar

The next step for the researchers is to

hierarchical organization to those of the

turn their attention to the nature of the genes

healthy intestine.

that promote relapse. This hierarchical struc-

They have also observed that within

ture containing stem cells and other kinds

IMAGE:

A. MERLOS

the tumor, the cells responsible for re-

of cells is not exclusive to colon cancer, it is

lapse are those that resemble intestinal

found in leukemia, glioma and breast cancer.

stem cells, the so-called tumor stem cells.

Advances made in this field could therefore

Thus, when cancer cells express a set of

be applicable to other kinds of cancer.

.

Scientific core facilities keep on top of their game

T

he excellence of a research institute can be gauged in part by the

custom applications in line with their own image processing needs, using

quality of its scientific facilities. These structures provide critical

practical examples,” says facility manager Julien Colombelli. His staff

support for researchers and make a significant contribution to

were joined by image processing experts Timo Zimmerman (CRG) and

outstanding science. Recent developments in IRB Barcelona’s core facili-

Kota Miura (EMBL). They are planning similar courses for the IRB

ties demonstrate they are keeping on top of their game by providing the

Barcelona community before the end of the year.

latest cutting-edge services and technologies to the scientific community.

On March 2 the Advanced Digital Microscopy Core Facility hosted

Arrays are basic tools for many fields of current science, but they are expensive and cost is often a limiting factor when considering their use.

the first meeting of the Spanish Optical

The Functional Genomics Core Facility now

Microscopy Network, followed by a special

has access to Affymetrix's ‘Gene Atlas’. “This

2-day training course, the first of its kind in

system offers three advantages over other

Spain. The course covered the ins and outs

techniques,” says facility manager Herbert

of application development with ‘Image J’, a

Auer. “It’s cheaper, provides more updated

“The course aimed to teach microscopy specialists and scientists how to develop

02

in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

Julien Colombelli explains ‘Image J’ processing software during a course on March 3-4, 2011.

data allowing for a more complete analysis,

N. BARBERÍA

developed by scientists and programmers.

PHOTO:

free software package for image processing

more information from the same analy-

.

and is more sensitive, giving us about 25% sis.”

Predocs bring life to the 2nd PhD student symposium

A

that being successful in science is not

in mind when organizing a great event? “One

spanning disciplines and research fields and

just a matter of getting results at the

of the single most important factors is to invite

we’re sure they will provide a lot of inspiration

bench – you also need to know how to do a

the best speakers you can possibly get,” says

and food for thought. In addition to sharing

lot of other things: how to write good papers,

PhD student Irena Sevanovic who is head-

their knowledge about their research, they will

submit successful grant proposals, and not only

ing up the speaker selection sub-group in the

also be able to share their insights and advice

attend important scientific conferences, but

organizing committee. “We’re really happy

of particular interest to students like us at this

ny leading researcher will tell you

What kind of things do you need to keep

speakers will provide a range of perspectives

sooner or later, you’ll have to organize them,

stage of our careers on topics such as mobility,

too. PhD students at IRB Barcelona are well

training, and what life is like after a PhD.”

aware of complementary skills they need for

'Life in motion' will take place at the In-

their future, and are taking control. That’s why,

stitut d’Estudis Catalans on November 17-18,

when not busy in the lab, they are hard at work

2011. PhD students and postdocs from around

organizing the 2nd IRB Barcelona Internation-

the world are encouraged to attend. Participa-

al PhD Symposium, an event they run from

tion is limited to 150, and there is a registration

start to finish.

fee of 50 euros. More information and online

For this year’s event the students chose the

registration (the deadline is October 3, 2011)

title ‘Life in Motion: Dynamics of Molecules

is available at the conference website: www.

and Systems’ which aims to build on the topic

irbphdsymposium.org.

of the first PhD student symposium, held in

with the lineup we’ve managed to put together,

2009, called ‘Architecture of Life’. ‘Life in Mo-

which includes inspiring figures like Aaron

Symposium Committee members are Manuel

tion’ is an open-ended theme that the students

Ciechanover, the 2004 Nobel Laureate in

Alonso, Lara Barrio, Kader Cavusoglu, Eva

hope will provide the basis for a wide-ranging

Chemistry, NMR specialist and MPI Director

De Mol, Andrey Dyachenko, Sabine Klischies,

discussion on the importance of the dynamics

Christian Grieseinger, and computational ge-

Jordi Lanuza, Laura Mendieta, Milica Pavlovic,

and motion of molecules at all levels in living

nomics expert at Cambridge University, Sarah

Selma Periera, Radek Pluta and Irena Seva-

organisms.

Teichmann. The combined expertise of our

novic.

Picking the pick of the crop

T

wenty-one hopeful future scientists ar-

they hope to join, and then sat for individual

rived at IRB Barcelona on the morning

interviews. This process, though demanding,

of April 4 to take part in the selection

is a crucial step for both students and IRB

process for the 2011 edition of the “La Caixa”/

scientists to determine whether they make a

IRB Barcelona International PhD Programme.

good match.

The group, narrowed down from a pool of 283

however. The organizers made sure there

at the Institute participating in a slew of activi-

was plenty of time for fun and relaxation. A

ties aimed at giving them a good look at some

special cool-off session as well as meals in local

of the science that goes on, as well as a taste of

restaurants provided welcome opportunities for

what life is like for a student at IRB Barcelona.

current students to share experiences and advice

a quick look at some ongoing research projects

.

And the results are in...

It wasn’t all sweaty palms and hard work,

students from across the world, spent two days

After a brief introduction to the institute,

The 2nd IRB Barcelona PhD Student

with the candidates in more informal settings.

Group leaders will soon make their deci-

.

and tours of the facilities, candidates presented

sions and extend offers to ten successful candi-

their research, discussed their interests and ex-

dates, who will take up positions in their new

perience with group leaders of the programmes

labs by September.

Congratulations to the newly-elected (and returning) members of the PhD Student Council. Over the next year they will be working hard to organize student-run activities and liaise with IRB administration.

Know someone thinking of doing a PhD in the biomedical sciences? Tell them about the next IRB Barcelona Prospective PhD Student Recruitment Day, on Tuesday, May 3, 2011

in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

03

FACES TO NAMES Cristina Horcajada, Head of Innovation at IRB Barcelona.

PHOTO:

and industry function in different ❝Academia environments. The most fascinating part of

A

N. BARBERÍA

my job is to help find ways to build bridges and strengthen ties between the two.❞ fter completing her PhD at the Uni-

that putting a new product on the market is a

mind that the first step is to protect their idea.

versity of Barcelona in 2004, Cristina

serious long-term process with lots of obstacles,

Patenting will not interfere with publication in a

Horcajada (Barcelona, 1976) left

but with results that can be extremely rewarding

scientific journal – it’s a parallel process – but it

academia for the world of industry. Curious

if everything goes okay. There are lots of hurdles

doesn’t work the other way around.

about how to turn discoveries made into the lab

to overcome – from finding viable targets and

- Is tech transfer just for group leaders?

into applications that can help society, she took

developing effective molecules, to succesfully

Far from it. Younger researchers, especially PhD

a job in the biotech Emergent Biosolutions in

navigating the clinical trial and regulatory

students, should take every opportunity they

London. In 2009, she returned to Barcelona to help set up innovation activities at IRB alongside Jorge Domínguez. With Jorge’s recent move to the Research and Academic

❝The role of tech transfer is to

evaluate and protect discoveries and get them from the bench to the bedside as quickly as possible. It’s our opportunity and our obligation.❞

process. It is a bit

can to learn about the innovation process: what

like a relay race

a patent is, the different strategies for bringing

and we have just

technologies to the market. Though they may be

taken off from the

focused on doing great research, they should be

starting line. The

aware of opportunities and know how the sys-

exciting thing is

tem works. We plan to start innovation initiation

that we are part

courses soon to help with this.

of it.

– Any regrets about leaving the bench?

Administration Department, Cristina has taken

- One key piece of advice for researchers

Not at all. I use my science every day – and I still

over the reigns of the Innovation Department.

when it comes to tech transfer?

apply the scientific method – just in a different

She speaks with us about the future of tech

If you have an idea that you think could be

way. Academia and industry function in differ-

transfer activities.

turned into something, get in touch right away.

ent environments. The most fascinating part of

- Why do tech transfer? What’s the point?

Don’t wait. We’ll sit down and go through

my job is to help find ways to build bridges and

There is a big pool of scientific results coming

your project and we can help bring a different

strengthen ties between the two.

out of institutes like IRB Barcelona, some of

perspective and see the potential for licensing or

them with lots of potential to benefit society.

commercialization. Researchers need to keep in

.

SARAH SHERWOOD

The role of tech transfer is to evaluate and protect those discoveries and get them from the bench to the bedside as quickly as possible. It’s our opportunity and our obligation.

- How do you measure the success of a tech transfer strategy?

It used to be number of patents that an institute filed, and then those which you managed to license. Now, other factors are taken into account, such as the number of jobs – direct and indirect – that you put on the market through your innovation activities. More and more, innovation is being valued as a motor for the economy.

- Where does IRB Barcelona stand?

Our portfolio ranges from licenses for diagnostic and therapeutic tools to software programmes to a spin-off company – with a couple more in the works. It’s important to understand

04

in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

Two new collaborations bring research back to society

O

ne of IRB Barcelona’s goals is to pro-

genius has selected Modesto Orozco’s lab at

mote the conversion of its research into

IRB Barcelona to take part in this ambitious

products and tools that will ultimately benefit

drug discovery project. Modesto’s group will

society. Modesto Orozco’s lab has taken this

contribute by applying their biocomputational

mission to heart and recently established two

simulations methods.

new collaborations with industry.

Three big pharma companies (Almirall,

Modesto’s group has also established a strategic collaboration under the Ministry

Esteve, Palau Pharma) and the biotech

of Science and Innovation’s INNPACTO

company Proteomika, have joined forces to

program. The partners from industry and basic

form the ‘Neogenius’ project, an association

research (AntibodyBcn, Immunostep, Infinitec

that has received funding from the Spanish

Activos, CSIC and IRB Barcelona) will work

government’s CENIT program, which aims to

together on a project, called “EpiTag”, whose

promote public-private cooperation. Neo-

goal is to obtain peptide tags.

.

In good hands with the Joint Health and Safety Service

H

ave you ever considered

sponsible for “ensuring occupational

how important backstage

safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics

people are when putting

and performing applied psychosoci-

on a theater play? They are always

ology,” says Sandra. “Those are big

there making sure everything runs

words that simply mean that we are

smoothly. IRB Barcelona is sup-

here to make sure that the workplace

ported by similar groups of people

meets safety and hygiene standards

and these have recently grown with

and to ensure that everyone works

the addition of the Joint Health and

comfortably and with the least

Safety Service.

amount of stress possible.”

Research institutions are

Sandra explains, “This restruc-

required by law to have a health

tured service will be able to provide

and safety service. IRB Barcelona

wider coverage. One of the biggest

is no exception to this and from its

advantages of being a joint initiative

early days has relied on the knowl-

is that the procedures we draw up

edge and experience of the PCB’s

can be used in all three organiza-

Sandra Barreda, an expert special-

tions.” Anna Vilches, safety techni-

ized in workplace safety in research

cian, adds, “We deal with all kinds

organizations. As IRB Barcelona has

of things because of the nature of

expanded over the years, however,

our environment, from the design of

its needs for workplace safety have

internal procedures, the formulation

grown – something shared by other

of emergency evacuation plans and

institutes in the PCB as well as the

planning health check-ups to light

PCB itself. Recently, IRB Barcelona,

and air quality, burns, and on rare

the Institute for Bioengineering of

occasions even explosions!”

Catalonia (IBEC) and the PCB de-

The group is currently focusing

cided to combine forces and create a

on fine-tuning their training pro-

joint health and safety service. Work-

gramme, which includes courses on

ing together they will be able to share

risk prevention to integrate security

resources and materials, thereby

at all levels in the insitution. The next

reducing costs, and provide extended

installment of the course will be held

and better coverage.

in April.

Sandra Barreda will continue

The hard work of this service

at the helm of this new service,

is paying off: a look at the records

and has been joined by prevention

shows that the number of accidents

technicians, Anna Vilches and Jordi

is falling, which goes to show that we

Martínez. Together, they will be re-

are in good hands!

.

The PCB, IRB Barcelona and IBEC formed a Joint Health and Safety Service team in March. (l to r) Jordi Martínez, Sandra Barreda and Anna Vilches

SCIENCE BITES

➲

When 10 cells are more than enough

What if, instead of using thousands or millions of cells, you could just use 10 for measuring gene expression?

Herbert Auer's Functional Genomics Core Facility has recently presented a new expression profiling method, Pico Profiling, which is suitable for the expression analysis of very small populations of cells, as small as 10.

Published in the December issue of PLOS Biology, this new technique provides a novel workflow for expression profiling when cell numbers are limited.

.

➲

A close up view of an amino acid transporter

Some inherited metabolic disorders, such as aminoacidurias, and many human tumors, involve the defective transport of amino acids. The latest issue of PNAS describes the crystal structure of one of these amino acid transporters for the first time at 3 Å resolution. Led by Manuel Palacín at IRB Barcelona, the team of researchers responsible for this finding has completed the picture of the conformational states of secondary transporters, demonstrating that they share the same functioning principles.

.

➲

Learning how take care of DNA

As an expert in the field of DNA damage and repair, Group Leader Travis Stracker was invited to write a review on everything there is to know about a molecule that plays a critical role in this process, the MRE11 complex. Cells must avoid damage to their DNA in order avoid becoming cancerous and activate a DNA Damage Response (DDR) to clean up any mistakes. The protein complex MRE11 is key part of the intricate DDR system and helps to recognize double-strand breaks in DNA. The article appeared in Nature reviews in February.

.

➲

A Faculty 1000’s 'Must Read'

The latest work published by Cayetano González’s lab has been selected by the Faculty of 1000 (a society of post-publication peer review) as a 'Must Read' reference article. The paper, whose first author was postdoc Jens Januschke, looked at the distribution of centrosomes during stem cell division in Drosophila neuroblasts and identified a new marker on daughter centrosomes in this model organism. The paper was published online on March 15 in Nature Communicactions.

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in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

05

The elixir of youth

A new forum

H

S

scientists from across IRB Barce-

ow many times have you asked

lona gathered on Friday, April 1

yourself what you ought to do

to celebrate a new initiative: the

to combat the effects of ageing?

Group Leader seminar series. Cayetano

Scientists believe that in a few years’ time

González, head of the Cell Division

we may be able to turn back the clock on

Laboratory in the Cell and Developmen-

some of problems often associated with age-

tal Biology Programme, kicked things

ing, such as neurodegenerative diseases like

off with a presentation of his latest work

Alzheimer’s, deteriorating memory function and even changes in our physical appear-

Autophagy”, organized in collaboration with the BBVA Foundation, which brought together researchers from across the world

introduction by Marco Milán, who dug up some amusing and (mildly) compromising photos of his longtime colleague

I CASTEANEDO

the Biomed Conference “Mitochondrial

Ana-María Cuervo presented her latest work at the Barcelona BioMed Conference on Mitochondrial Autophagy, March 21-23, organized in collaboration with the BBVA Foundation.

PHOTO:

ance. On March 21-23, Barcelona hosted

to a packed auditorium. After a brief

at various stages in his career, Tano took to the podium to give an overview of his career as a researcher and his pursuit of Drosophila as an easy-to-use model to

to discuss the latest breakthroughs in autophagy, a process that could be likened to cell cleansing and recycling, and its relations with diseases that are especially associated with the passage of time.

People in developed countries have almost tripled their life expectancy in the last 100 years. Although this increase is one of the most significant changes in our evolution, it has brought with it consequences associated directly with ageing. Scientists such as Ana-María Cuervo, who presented her latest research on autophagy at the conference, work on identifying the keys behind efficient cell function. “In our lab we are studying a group

study cancer.

out what makes them different from the rest of

The Group Leaders seminars are part

us mortals.”

of the regular Barcelona BioMed Plenary

One of the problems with ageing is that

Seminar Series and will take place on

cell cleaning mechanisms start to behave er-

the first Friday of each month. Their

ratically and cell function is impaired as an

aim is to provide an opportunity for the

organism gets older. This defect eventually

IRB Barcelona community to hear what

kills them. We now know that an increase

researchers in other groups are up to and

in the cleansing function extends the life of

to help set the stage for internal collabo-

worms, and in mice can make aged livers work

rations. After the seminars, Group Leaders and Facility Managers will have the

as if they were young again. We are on the

.

opportunity to meet for discussion over a

edge of a new era in which science has the key

finger-food lunch.

to allowing us not only to live longer but also

will be given by Manuel Palacín.

NURIA NORIEGA

of 2500 people over the age of 100 to figure

.

The next talk, scheduled for May 27,

better.

IN BRIEF IN BRIEF Education visits IRB Showerminister of awards

Ernest around the world Chemistry editors

A new Journal Club

AD

FC

T

s partirector of the Joan launch of the International Guinovart joined the Year of Chemistry, Education Catalan Royal Spanish Academy of Phar-

resh offhemistry his visitgroup with Education Minleaders at IRB ister Gabilondo, Ernest Giralt Giraltand hasXavier been Barcelona Ernest

Minister Gabilondo paidwas a vist to thenew awarded the ‘Novartis macyÁngel on November 3 and elected Salvatella saw theirChemistry efforts payLectureoff on Barcelona Science Park on February 7, and ship’.

This prize is given in recognition member of the Institute for Catalan Studies November 12, when the manuscriptofon stopped in on the laboratory IRB Barcelona in the field of peptides theraon December 13. Also inof recognition of his his work protein interactions they hadasbeen editing

he first session of the IRB Barcelona Biophysics Journal club was called to

order on March 23. This new initiative, spearheaded by Group Leader Xavier Salvatella, aims to provide an opportunity for in-house

Group Leadercareer, Ernestadjunct Giralt to learn about his peuticfor agents, and will provide by him with The scientists at all levels to discuss interesting scientific director Joan Masmonths was published Wiley. group’s latest work the on peptide chemistry. to Protein give lectures in Recognition: different papers published in the field of biophysics in sagué received Gold Medal AwardAcof the the opportunity book, entitled Surface companied by representatives from the PCB, Novartis research centres all around the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute on November Approaches for Drug Discovery, provides an informal and constructive setting. They IRB Barcelona, the University ofappointed Barcelonamem- world.

Hisperspectives tour will include 19. Both directors were also new on the stops designinofShangmolecu- will take place monthly in the Felix Serratosa and the Government, Gabilondo exhai, Cambridge, Massachusetts and other and bersCatalan of the Council of Notables of University lar therapeutics, as well as theoretical

. .

.

room, and Xavier will moderate the sessions.

.

pressed his support for current projects these destinations Europe. The lecture will of Barcelona Alumni on November 3 and practicalininformation forfirst researchers inter- There’s no need to register, those interested institutes are undertaking to encourage young be held in Basel, Switzerland on April 18, were named among the 500 most influential ested in exploiting this emerging paradigm should just show up and be ready to dispeople to take up in the sciences.

2012.in drug discovery. cuss.

Spaniards by careers El Mundo newspaper.

06

in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

Recerca en directe takes science to the streets

Visitors learned how to distinguish cancer cells from healthy ones at the IRB Barcelona stand at the Recerca en Directe science fair, held in “La Pedrera” on April 5-7.

L

orena Ramirez and Ana Igea, research

them some of the experiments they do every

which provides a great opportunity for scien-

assistants in Angel Nebreda’s lab

day in their labs. Groups of 5-6 teenagers at

tists to show the public the fascinating and fun

packed up their test tubes and headed

a time heard explanations of their research

side of science and to emphasize the contribu-

to Gaudi’s “La Pedrera” building in Barce-

on breast cancer and then got to roll up their

tion it makes to our quality of life.

lona’s city center to take part in the Recerca en

sleeves, put on gloves, and get to work. They

Directe science fair on April 5-7. Organized

were given cell culture plates containing two

by the Barcelona Science Park in collaboration

cell lines and were asked to remove the culture

with the CatalunyaCaixa’s social program, the

medium and stain the cells’ nuclei in order to

fair showcases some of the research projects

distinguish which ones were cancerous and

current going on in the city’s many research

which were not. “Most of them got it right”

centers. The ultimate goal of the event is to

Ana explains “although sometimes they

bring today’s research closer to society and

weren’t quite sure why. We explained to them

to promote scientific vocation among young

that cancerous cells divide more rapidly and

adults.

that’s why they can see more nuclei stained in

Over three days, Lorena and Ana wel-

.

follow us...! we’re now on

the dishes.”

comed more than 1,400 visitors and showed

Recerca en Directe is an annual event

Great results for marathoner runners

IRB Barcelona women hit the pitch

T

uesday, March 8 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, and women at IRB Barcelona decided

to celebrate in style. As the clock struck 4pm, twenty-one female scientists hung up their lab coats, put on their football boots and

The 2011 IRB Barcelona marathon team: Claudio Diema, Adelaida Díaz, Kyra Campbell, Ashraf Muhaisen, Roman Kessler and Jorge Domínguez (undercover).

hit the pitch to take part in a special all-women’s game.

As a scientist and keen football player, match organizer Rubí Zamudio thought the occasion would provide a great opportunity for women working at

F

or the third year straight, on Sunday, March 6, members of

the institute to meet

the IRB Barcelona running club hit the streets for the Barce-

and have some fun. As

lona Marathon. After a grueling 42.2 km through the streets of the

a woman, it was her

city, seasoned marathoners Adelaida Díaz, Roman Kessler, Ashraf

particular way to celebrate the

Muhaisen – as well as newcomers Kyra Campbell and Claudio

theme of the day: 100 years of

Diema – crossed the finish line in style and grace. In doing so, they

women’s achievements and en-

raised funds for Medicos Sin Fronteras.

suring a pathway to decent work

.

Check out their times – and videos of them at the finish line –

.

for all, based on equal access to

on the running club’s new webpage on the IRB Barcelona intranet.

education and training in science

http://intranet.irb.pcb.ub.es

and technology.

in vivo

April 2011

| Issue 14

07

NEW AT IRB BARCELONA

SPOTLIGHT

A research institute of excellence in a sunny place away from France were the main criteria in Najate’s search for a new position. She found her ideal job in the Development and Growth Control Laboratory at IRB Barcelona.

Intrigued by cell growth, Najate Benhra (France,

1983) completed her PhD thesis in Roland Le Borgne’s group at the Institute of Genetics and Development in Rennes (France), where she studied the molecular basis of asymmetric cell division in the external sensory organs of Drosophila. Now in Marco Milán’s lab, Najate has joined a stimulating project on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation and survival, using the Drosophila wing epithelium as a model tissue.

Rima Chaudhuri (India, 1982) moved from Calcutta,

When they are not at the bench, Helena González and Oriol Marimón volunteer as clowns to lift the spirits of people in places of conflict.

her home town, to Georgia in the US to do her undergraduate studies in 2000. After completing her PhD in drug discovery and design in Chicago she joined Modesto Orozco’s lab in February to do her postdoc training. She will be working on three projects: two on drug discovery, a field she knows well, and the one on systems biology. “I’m very excited because I’ll get to work in a new field, which will allow me to build up my skill set,” Rima explains. After her postdoc she plans to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Laughter really is the best medicine

W

hy is Mark Twain’s quote “The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter”

important? In this era of evidence-based medicine,

ON THE MOVE

laughter is probably the most effective weapon for doctors to use to strengthen our quality-of-life:

Roland Pache (Germany, 1980) and Amelie Stein (Germany, 1981) have been

laughing boosts oxygen flow in our blood, gives

at IRB Barcelona since the early days of the

our immune system response. Laughter also brings

Institute. They met while studying in Tübingen

people together.

our muscles a workout, reduces stress and increases

and then arrived together to do their PhDs in

But what about people who find themselves in

Patrick Aloy’s lab. Amelie defended her thesis

situations so difficult that they may have forgotten

last June and Roland is about to submit his in

how to laugh? The remedy for this might be closer

April. Their postdoc training is to take them to Tanja Kortemme’s lab in San Francisco. Roland and Amelie were part of the Organizing Committee of the First IRB Barcelona PhD Student Symposium, an event in which Tanja was an invited speaker. “It’s a shame we won’t be here for the next symposium,” they agree. Although looking forward to new experiences in San Francisco, they say they will miss Spanish ham and the good friends they made in Barcelona.

than we think. It could, in fact, be hiding behind the red noses and big, floppy shoes worn by two people that you have surely come across in the corridors of IRB Barcelona.

PhD students Helena González, from Travis Stracker’s lab, and Oriol Marimón, from Miquel Pons’ lab are clowns in white coats. Convinced that

Marco Archinti (Italy, 1978) has recently crossed the street and from the Cluster to the Helix building.

After working as a postdoc in cell proliferation and cancer, first at the Institute for Stem Cell Research in Milan, Italy, and then in Jens Lüders’ Microtubule Organization Laboratory at IRB Barcelona, he has now stepped into the biotechnology industry to take up a position at ERA Biotech. Marco’s research project in biotech will take him back to the times of his PhD, when he worked on plant protein intracellular trafficking and storage. At ERA Biotech, Marco will help to develop recombinant protein technologies for human and animal health industries.

clowning can bring about peace, they collaborate with an international cooperation group called Pallasos en Rebeldía (Clowns in Rebellion). In their off time, they travel to far off places such as Palestine and Burkina Faso to clown around with an army of dreamers to bring the physiological, psychological

.

and long-term social benefits of humor to conflictaffected communities. Now that’s something to smile about!

ITZIAR CASTANEDO

In vivo, issue 14. Published by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Office of Communications & External Relations. Barcelona Science Park. Baldiri Reixac, 10. 08028 Barcelona, Spain. www.irbbarcelona.org. Editors: Nahia Barbería and Sarah Sherwood. Contributors: Itziar Castanedo, Nuria Noriega, Tanya Yates.

Graphic Production: La Trama. Legal deposit: MU-519-2011. This document has been printed on recycled paper. To subscribe or unsubscribe from in vivo email info@irbbarcelona.org. © IRB Barcelona 2011.