In Vivo 20 - October 2012 by IRB Barcelona

in vivo October 2012 | Issue 20

NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE

The next Barcelona BioMed Conference on tumour cancer stem cells promises surprises Eduard Batlle, Group Leader of the Colorectal cancer laboratory, and Hans Clevers, from the Hubrecht Institute in the Netherlands, closed the Barcelona BioMed Conference on Tumour Stem Cells in 2007 (see photo on the right) promising that that gathering was only the first in a pioneering new field of investigation. Promise kept. On 12-14 November, 150 selected international scientists will take stock at the 19th Barcelona BioMed Conference, Normal and Tumour Stem Cells. Expectations are high. “There will be plenty of ‘big shots’,” says Eduard Batlle. To find out more, see page 3.

Hans Clevers and Eduard Batlle at the 2007 Barcelona BioMed Conference on Tumour Stem Cells. They’ll pick up in November where they left off. (Foto Jordi Pareto)

Autumn brings the arrival of a new batch of young scientists

Summer science in Sevilla

While the group of PhD students spon-

of whom sponsored by ”la Caixa”) and ten

A healthy team of IRB Barcelona junior

sored in 2011 by the ”la Caixa” Foundation

postdoctoral fellows supported by the EU Ma-

and senior scientists travelled to Sevilla at the

celebrated their fellowships in Madrid in July

rie Curie Actions arrived at the doors of the

beginning of September to take part in the

(photo from the ceremony below), a new batch

Institute. Meet some of them on pages 4 and 8.

22nd IUBMB and the 37th FEBS Congress.

of young scientists was preparing to join IRB

The gathering, entitled “From Single Mole-

Barcelona. In September and October,

cules to Systems Biology” provided an impor-

23 PhD students (ten

tant cross-discipinary platform for researchers from across the world to discuss the latest developments in their fields. As a satellite event, the FEBS Young Scientists Programme gathered students in another location in Andalusia. IRB Barcelona Jordi Lanuza was there and reports back to In vivo on page 2.

Drosophila takes centre stage

Viewpoint If I could only turn back time...

Summer camp for future scientists

Science and clowning

The gathering of the Lords of the Flies

orty internationally-re-

Drosophila has long been used in life sciences research. It has played a

nowned Spanish scien-

fundamental role in determining the basis of genetics and developmental

tists who use Drosophila

biology, and lies behind the work of six Nobel laureates in medicine. It

melanogaster in their biomedi-

is now one of the key models in biomedical labs throughout the world.

cal research recently con-

Drosophila also holds a special place in the history of Spanish research.

vened for the first time ever.

Antonio García Bellido began pioneering studies with this insect in 1969

Organised by Group Lead-

and has produced a strong line of disciples, including a number of people

ers Jordi Casanova and Cayetano González, the 1st Spanish Conference on the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology of Drosophila was held in Aiguablava, Girona, on 25-28 September with the aim of identifying synergies and boosting opportunities for collaboration among researchers who study the tiny insect.

in groups now at IRB Barcelona. “In spite of this strength, never before has an event been organised to bring together all the experts in this field in Spain. We are covering a

historical gap and showing the international dimension of our research,” explains González. “Collectively we represent a powerhouse of expertise and want to harness this to further our understanding of diseases.”

IRB Barcelona heads en masse to Sevilla Scientists from IRB Barcelona travelled to Sevilla in September to

organised as part of the FEBS’ Young Scientists Programme and the

take part in the 22nd IUBMB and the 37th FEBS Congress. Direc-

IUBMB’s Young Scientists Forum, which aimed to give young scien-

tor Joan J. Guinovart led the way, in his role as Chair of the Sci-

tists from across the world a chance to share and exchange scientific

entific Committee for the event, entitled “From Single Molecules

experience, present their work to an international audience, meet

to Systems Biology.” No less than six Group Leaders and a handful

with internationally renowned professors and promote their scien-

of postdocs followed suit to give talks on their latest research re-

tific future. IRB Barcelona PhD student Jordi Lanuza, from Carme

sults. The week-long conference also provided a unique opportunity

Caelles’ Cell Signalling Lab, served on the local organising commit-

for IRB Barcelona PhD students to get involved. Prior to the main

tee and gained valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes goings-on

event, four students travelled to Cadiz to attend satellite activities

of a major international scientific conference.

hoose 130 enthusiastic,

with the conference preparations. “This

talented young scientists

is an extraordinary opportunity for

from across the world,

young scientists to meet and exchange

place them in an isolated and agree-

opinions on top-quality science with

able resort south of Cadiz for four

colleagues you don’t often get to meet

days, shake strongly and what you

in big congresses,” says Jordi. “The

will get is the perfect cocktail for

intimate environment means you have

first-class science. The FEBS Young

more direct contact with people.”

Scientist Programme, which this

Jordi’s task in the local organizing

year coincided with the IUBMB’s

committee focussed on “social boost-

Young Scientist Forum, was held

Jordi Lanuza, a scientific “social booster.” (Foto L.T. Barone)

ing,” as he puts it. “We only had three days, and none of us knew each other.

at the beginning of September in Costa Ballena. Jordi Lanuza was there and presented a poster of his research on JNK. His results demonstrate that the activation of this kinase in diabetes and obesity inhibits the positive feedback of insulin in the pancreatic beta cells, affecting the homeostasis of glucose. He also chaired a session

Guinovart next president of IUBMB

Normally, it takes a couple of days for people to break the ice and start socializing. I organised activities to ensure that this process began from the first evening.” Among Jordi’s gimmicks were a pub quiz, pipetting races, and a “William Tell”

RB Barcelona director Joan J. Guinovar-

competition, where participants had to shoot a

tas been appointed president-elect of the

rubber glove at a plastic cup on someone’s head.

International Union of Biochemistry and

During the event, many career progression

But science was not the only interest Jordi

Molecular Biology (IUBMB). His mandate

and enterpreneurship opportunities were pre-

had in taking part. After having participated

begins in 2015. Founded in 1955, IUBMB

sented to the young scientists. “Overall, it was

in the previous edition of the YSF in Gothen-

brings together biologists and molecular

a very positive experience,” says Jordi, “espe-

burg, and hot off the heels of his experience as

biochemists from 77 countries with the ob-

cially for the networking opportunities.”

organiser of the IRB Barcelona PhD Student

jective to promote research and training in

Symposium last year, he wanted to help out

this field around the world.

on cell signalling.

in vivo

October 2012

| Issue 20

LUCA TANCREDI BARONE

Tumour stem cells star in next Nek9, a key Barcelona BioMed Conference player in cell s the recent awarding of the Nobel

“Basically there are two groups of cells in a

Prize in Medicine can attest, stem cells

tumour,” clarifies Batlle. “On one side we have

are a hot topic in many fields of bio-

discovered that there is a bulk of inert cells that

medical research. It is easy to understand why: if

do nothing but sit there. We could call them ‘be-

we could decode their secret for eternal life and

nign.’ On the other side, we have seen that there

totipotentiality, we may find a key to open the

are stem cells that regenerate the tumour. Even if

door to the cure of many diseases that affect us.

these two groups of cells are genetically identical,

These very special cells are also the target of

they play a very different role in the develop-

leading innovative research in the field of cancer.

ment of the cancer.”

Cancer and tumour stem cells were the topic of

Clearly, being able to differentiate between

a pioneering Barcelona BioMed Conference that

‘normal cancer cells’ and ‘stem cancer cells’ is

division

oan Roig (IRB Barcelona) and Isabelle Vernos (Center for Genomic Regula-

tion) have identified one of the key cellular components that ensures the even distribution of the genetic material during cell division: the protein Nek9. During the process of mitosis, the equal distribution of the genetic material among the two new forming cells is a critical step to ensure that they will be healthy and successful. Either gaining or losing chromosomes would lead to defective cells which would be unable to function properly and might give rise to tumours or to problems during development. The study, published this summer in Current Biology, shows how Nek9 is involved in the maturation of one essential element during mitosis: the centrosome. Centrosomes organise the mitotic spindle, a structure responsible for sepa-

Eduard Batlle and Hans Clevers during the Barcelona BioMed Conference on cancer stem cells in 2007. The Barcelona BioMed Conference Series is sponsored by the BBVA Foundation. (Foto Jordi Pareto)

rating chromosomes into two identical groups. Each one of these groups is then transmited to a new daughter cell.

IRB Barcelona organised in 2007. Group Leader

essential to prevent and block the mechanisms

Without Nek9 the mitotic spindle

Eduard Batlle and Hans Clevers, from the Hu-

leading to metastasis. “It is surprising how much

would not be able to form correctly and

brecht Institute in the Netherlands, will meet

they look like each other,” admits the researcher.

the resulting cells would be genetically

again on 12-14 November for another edition

“In colon cancer, cells have been accumulating

defective.

of the Barcelona BioMed Conference which will

mutations for 15 to 20 years in the patient, and

The basic research carried out by

take stock of advances in the field. “Back in 2007,

yet they express more or less the same genes and

Research Associate Joan Roig, PhD

stem cells in tumours were a really new field,”

proteins as the healthy cells.”

student Sara Sdelci, and other scientists

says Eduard Batlle. “In the meantime, research

The Barcelona BioMed Conference will

from both IRB Barcelona and the CRG

has evolved and it is now demonstrated that most

provide an important forum to discuss tumour

has helped to unravel the function of this

tumours are maintained and regenerated thanks

stem cells in different tissues, including the brain,

protein, which one day could be used as a

to a population of stem cells, in a very similar

skin, blood, intestine and breast. There are cases,

therapeutic target against tumours.

way to what happens in normal tissues.”

though, like the pancreas, where scientists still

A hypothetical drug that inhibits

have little evidence of the presence of tumour

Nek9 in cancerous cells might impair

stem cells (and of stem cells in general).

cell division and therefore stop tumour

Tissues in the body have a structure and an organization that is preserved and rejuvenated continuously by stem cells. Some tissues replace

“There will be plenty of ‘big shots’ in No-

growth. Other proteins involved in the

themselves faster, like the skin or the intestine,

vember,” he concludes. “People will be present-

same process as Nek9 (such as Plk1 and

and others are slower, like the brain. What has

ing results from promising screenings for drugs

Eg5) are already in advanced stages of tri-

become clear in recent years is that tumours

to target tumour stem cells. I’m confident once

als to produce anticancer agents.

work in a similar fashion. The replication of

again we’ll see a phenomenal display of top sci-

tumour cells is not as chaotic as it seems, and

ence.”

tumours preserve their hierarchy just as normal cells do in a tissue.

Nek9 could now be considered a new candidate.

LUCA TANCREDI BARONE

JULIA GARCÍA LÓPEZ

in invivo vivo

October October 2012 2012 || Issue Issue 20 20

Welcoming ten new talents After a rigourous selection process, ten postdoctoral fellows supported by the EU Marie Curie Actions are now ready to put on their brand-new IRB Barcelona lab coats. Hailing from Denmark, Macedonia, the Netherlands, India, UK, Japan, Croatia, Russia, Italy and Argentina, the postdocs will be working on 2-year projects in one or more IRB Barcelona labs. Here In Vivo chats with a couple of them.

❝ When you are studying intensely,

your creativity has a boost, it’s like a cone of light illuminates you.❞

❝ I only sent a few select applications and when I came to the interview, I was impressed with the quality of this Institute.❞

Federica Lombardi

Adrian Gabriel Torres

Negri Sud Institute in Chieti to do a Masters in cell biology and then to

select applications. When I arrived here, I was impressed: the Institute

the University College Dublin for a PhD in bioinformatics and systems

is every bit as competitive as renowned centres such as the EPFL in

biology, where she studied platelet signalling networks.

Lausanne, where I also applied. The infrastructures, funding, publica-

eing born in a small town in the centre of Italy has never stopped Federica from having big ambitions. After studying medical biotechnology in Bologna, she moved to the Mario

“I am hoping to find here the same socially vibrant atmosphere we had in Dublin,” she affirms with a smile. “They truly treated us as creative people!”

arefully. Adrian chooses this adverb to explain how he decided to select IRB Barcelona for his postdoctoral studies. “I wanted to be in a really good institute, so I only sent few

tions and research projects were outstanding,” says this Argentinian who studied biology in Córdoba in the National University. Prior to coming to IRB Barcelona, Adrian was at the Laboratory of

Denis Shields, Federica’s boss in Dublin, knew IRB Barcelona and

Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB) in Cambridge, UK, thanks to a fellow-

strongly encouraged her to apply. “I think it was a very good sugges-

ship set up in memory of an Argentinian chemist, Nobel Laureate César

tion, and I am looking forward to working in gene translation in mi-

Milstein. “During my three and a half years in the UK,” says Adrian,

tochondrial pathologies,” she says. “More than half of mitochondrial

“the focus of my research was the microRNA miR-122, which regulates

DNA mutations are concentrated in mitochondrial tRNA genes and

the metabolism of lipids and the hepatitis C virus infection. When it is

we don’t know why. What does mitochondrial protein synthesis have

inhibited, the virus cannot replicate and the levels of cholesterol in the

to do with the pathological phenotype?”

blood are lowered. I designed ‘anti-miRs’, oligonucleotide analogues

Federica will carry out her project in Lluis Ribas’ and Antonio Zorzano’s labs. “I find it really interesting to be a trait-d’union between two different groups. You have to learn how to integrate ideas and methodologies, and you end up elaborating an original and hybrid way of reasoning,” she explains. “When I was preparing my thesis, and studying hard, I had

labs. “I wanted to change my area of research,” he emphasises. “I will follow up on Eva Novoa’s project on transfer RNA that led to a publication in Cell last year and will learn new techniques. Plus, I

to feeling again. Your creativity has a

am excited to work in cancer re-

boost, it’s like a cone of light illuminates

search.”

For the end of her postdoc, Fed-

Adrian will work on hetADATs, enzymes capable of modify-

erica has plans. “When I grow up, I

ing tRNAs, key components in the

would like to have my own labora-

protein translation machinery. This

tory. But life is strange, I might end

modification make the transla-

up teaching English, like

October 2012

| Issue 20

tion more efficient.

my partner, who is

“The idea is to find

also a scientist. Or

out whether this enzyme

teaching science to

is overexpressed in cancer or

kids,

in vivo

His next scientific ‘home’ will be in Lluis Ribas’ and Eduard Batlle’s

this strange feeling I am looking forward

you, it’s really a neat sensation.”

capable of binding to the miRNA and inhibiting their function.”

something

not and how its expression

that I enjoy very

affects the disease,” he con-

much.”

cludes.

VIEWPOINT September saw the arrival of 23 new students who took up their place in IRB Barcelona’s International PhD Programme. To set them on their way, we decided to ask a few veterans for some wise words of advice...

If you could turn back time and start your PhD studies over again, would you do anything differently? Ernest Giralt, Group Leader

Sofia Araujo, Research Associate

I think the most critical thing is to choose the

The only thing I would probably do differ-

place where you are going to do your PhD thesis very carefully. Go where the best science is being done – wherever in the world that may be. When I did my doctorate, science in Spain was not nearly as competitive as it was in the UK, US, France or Germany, but I only realised this when I went abroad for my postdoc. Thankfully this is changing and there are highly competitive international scientists, at institutes like ours, who can bring that expertise and perspective to their students.

Francisco Barriga, Final year PhD Student What a a tempting idea... In my opinion sci-

ently would be to focus on a subject, keeping within my chosen area, that would open doors to more collaboration between different fields of science. It opens up more possibilities to you and can lead you down interesting paths. Overall, though, I’m happy with the choices I’ve made, particularly the one that allowed me to move from doing pure biochemistry to working with more developmental biology approaches. Students shouldn’t be scared of changing fields of research after their PhD.

Jorge Domínguez, Head of Research and Academic Administration

ence is filled with crossroads and we have to

I would choose an internationally competi-

choose which paths to take when we come to

tive institute and work in a small group led

them. I have made all the choices that have

by a young, enthusiastic scientist, where post-

come up during my PhD years (whether right

docs outweigh students. This helps to create

or wrong) with the information and context

an environment of learning, interaction and

that I’ve had at hand. I’ve made several decisions that now seem naïve

discussion among all lab members, which can only increase the chances

or plainly dumb, but at the time they made complete sense. All in all

for success of a research project. I was fortunate enough to be in such a

I’m quite happy with the choices I’ve made. It’s like Einstein said, “If

lab. I would also keep in mind one of my favourite quotes, by Winston

we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called research, would it?”

Churchill: “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Striking a deal with RIKEN

for scientific interaction in the fields of stem

now’s their chance. On 19 September,

cells and regenerative medicine, as well as an ex-

IRB Barcelona signed a scientific collaboration

change programme for researchers and students

agreement with the RIKEN Center for Devel-

between the two centres. “International rela-

opmental Biology. Based in Kobe, the CDB is a

tions with top-class centres such as the CDB are

Japanese powerhouse for experimental research

a strategic priority and the only means to per-

into cell and developmental biology, and a per-

form cutting-edge projects in biomedicine,” af-

fect complement to IRB Barcelona’s own efforts

firms director Joan J. Guinovart. “This partner-

in these areas.

ship will no doubt be extremely productive.”

f ever IRB Barcelona researchers wanted

The collaboration will provide a framework

to work on their Japanese language skills,

Now online and more clickable than ever before. www.irbbarcelona.org/ annualreport2011 in vivo

October 2012

| Issue 20

“They couldn’t stop, they wanted to learn more science!” A team of three IRB Barcelona scientists took part in ‘Joves i Ciència’, a training programme run by Fundació CatalunyaCaixa that gives secondary school students a first-hand experience with science. LUCA TANCREDI BARONE

here is nothing more exciting than fol-

Barcelona PhD students and a postdocfrom

shortlisted candidates. The truth is that these

lowing your passion, especially if you

Modesto Orozco’s lab submitted their pro-

kids were really smart!”

are young and full of enthusiasm. The

posal to the organisers and were selected to

“Another quality we valued was creativity,”

Joves i Ciència programme of the Fundació

run a course on computational drug discovery

adds Michela. “We gave them easy Fermi prob-

CatalunyaCaixa is designed to give baccalau-

in leukemia. “We first gave the students the

lems, where candidates have to find a way to

reate students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to

basics on cancer, chemistry and physics, and

answer without having any data available. These

take part in a summer camp strictly centred on

then we went on to drug design,” explain Ivan

are very useful to see how the kids reason.” The

cutting-edge scientific research. Talented and

Ivani, Michela Candotti and Nadine Utz (cur-

computational drug discovery group was finally

motivated students come from all over Catalo-

rently at German BioImaging). Classes were

made up of four girls and six boys.

nia to participate in the programme where they

given in English, another challenge for the ten

Michela, Ivan and Nadine guided the stu-

have a chance to explore some of the science

15-to-16-year-old students in their group. The

dents through the development of a drug. Each

currently being conducted in real research labs.

course was held in an isolated refuge in the Valls

of them had to evaluate a compound, then all

Along the way, they take the important first

d’Àneu in the Pyrenees. “We were far enough

together decided which one was the best drug

steps toward a future career in science.

from any distractions to be able to concentrate

candidate. They later discovered that the win-

on science alone,” recall Ivan and Michela.

ning ligand is a drug used in real life against

The Fundació chose five scientific themes, spanning from astrophysics to climate science,

“Students were selected based on their

some kinds of leukemia. “The most staggering

laser technology and genetics, to offer the 50

school record, motivation and recommenda-

finding for me,” says Michela, “is that we gave

participating students during the two-week

tion letters they presented,” tells Ivan. “After

them eight hours of classes a day, something

camp, held at the beginning of July. Two IRB

a pre-selection, we personally interviewed the

which was intense even for us, and they wanted more! They couldn’t stop. In their free time they were reading the papers we gave them and asking questions. Amazing!” The experience was truly enriching for the three scientists. “It was an opportunity for us to experience the joys of teaching. When you have to teach something, you realize how much you know about a subject,” they add, “and you learn a lot. This topic in particular was slightly unrelated to our main research project, so it was

Michela shows two of the summer camp students a molecule on the screen. The top photo shows a student taking notes during a lecture. (Foto Fundació CatalunyaCaixa)

fun to go into it in deeper detail.”

Michela and Ivan have decided to apply next year to teach another course.

IN BRIEF iPad-deserving science Good sci-

lon stem cells and colorectal cancer-initiating

Unit, was awarded 3rd prize for best poster at

ence indeed pays off. Peter Jung from Eduard

cells which he did in collaboration with Anna

the 2012 European Conference on Compu-

Batlle’s lab won an iPad thanks to a poster he

Merlos Suárez was considered among the three

tational Biology held in Basel in September.

presented at the last meeting of the European

best of the meeting.

The poster was a collaboration with Ferran

Association for Cancer Research held in Barce-

Collaborative computation Oscar

Azorín. The goal of their project was to pro-

lona in July. The poster on his research on co-

Reina, in the Bioinformatics and Biostatistics

duce graphics that effectively summarize large

in vivo

October 2012

| Issue 20

Narcís Monturiol plaque presented to the Institute The prestigious Narcís Monturiol award was handed to IRB Barcelona director Joan J. Guinovart (right) on 3 October by the Catalan Secretary of University and Research Antoni Castellà (left) and by the Catalan Minister of Economy and Knowledge Andreu Mas-Colell (middle). The distinction recognises the Institute’s contributions towards the advancement of science and technology in Catalonia. Monturiol was the inventor of the first combustion engine-driven submarine.

Clowns make the best scientists

hat

clowns

Science Communication, Journées Hubert Curien, in Nancy, France.

In a way, a clown is the best character to take the audience by the hand and discover the

and sci-

“The first two days of the five-day event

world of science. “Clowns are vulnerable. All

entists have in com-

were dedicated to a workshop on the role of

alone on the stage, they have to connect with

mon? More than you

clowns in science,” says Helena. “The session

the audience using only their eyes and - most

would expect. The

was very innovative. It’s a field that is still com-

importantly - they aren’t afraid of failure. Like

best person to ask is

pletely under construction.”

children, clowns have no scientific knowledge,

Helena

González,

a predoctoral student

Travis

Stracker’s lab who

took

part

this

summer in the International Conference on

Helena is no stranger to performing. The theatre runs in her veins. Her father was a clown and her mom was an actress, so she was literally brought up on stage. And you can’t help but notice her passion for science and communication if you have the chance to see her explaining her research to kids, both inside and outside the Institute. “Maybe the most obvious lesson we learnt in the workshop was the fact that clowning is a great tool to help bring science closer to a younger audience. The interesting focus of this approach is that clowns discover, together with children, the ‘whys’ of an experiment or a scientific theory. In other words, we abandon the top-down model of the person who knows it all and explains with impressive examples,” empha-

and only ask themselves questions. Any problem is, in fact, an opportunity,” she points out. This is why clowns are truly model scientists: “Clowns have to come up with a hypothesis and check it together with the audience. And if it doesn’t work, they need to change it and try it out again. Every problem is a pearl for a clown to be exploited and explored.” What does Helena see for her future? ”I am always a bit of a clown, I use my body language a lot, I am not afraid to make mistakes, and I like to interact with the people who listen to my talks, and react to their energy level. I’d like to learn more about this to take science to more people,”

she says. There is even a group of researchers in Paris who are working on clowning in science. Maybe after my PhD I’ll join them!”

sises Helena.

LUCA TANCREDI BARONE

amounts of complex information, and is a

Among them was one published in the Journal

the Campus Gutenberg, a workshop on science

good example of how biologists and statisti-

of Organic Chemistry by Fernando Albericio

communication organised by the University

cians can work together.

and coworkers in 2011.

Pompeu Fabra in September. Together with

Best peptides The American Chemical

Campus Gutenberg stars PhD students

Society selected the 25 best papers in the field

Oriol Marimón, Helena González and Jordi

of peptides published between 2009 and 2011.

Lanuza took part in the Research Showroom at

other young scientists, they presented their research in a lively fashion before a jury. They did a bang-up job: Oriol won first prize.

in vivo

October 2012

| Issue 20

NEW AT IRB BARCELONA When she moved to California from France, Claire-

Alix Garin Zapata (Le Chesnay, 1987) could not have imagined the path her life would lead her. Dur-

SPOTLIGHT “Don’t ever take ‘no’ for an answer” - Tony Pawson

working for two years as a research assistant at the University of Chile, her husband was

hired by the CRG and she decided to give Barcelona a try. “The scientific level of IRB

at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He visited IRB

Barcelona and its international environment are impressive,” she notes, “and the op-

Barcelona in October to give a lecture as part of the

portunities for PhD students, like the PhD Student Symposium and the Student Council

Barcelona BioMed series. Awarded the Kyoto Prize

activities, also got me hooked.” Clair is one of the new ”la Caixa” Fellowship recipients

(also known as Japan’s Nobel) in 2008, Pawson has

and she will study the metabolism of glycogen in Joan J. Guinovart’s lab.

had the privilege of studying or working together with

ing her undergraduate years at Berkeley, Clair studied molecular and cell biology and spent six months in Santiago on an exchange where she met her husband. After

Konstantin Slobodnyuk (San Petersburg, 1983) was born “in a city that has changed its name, in a country that no longer exists,” he says with a smile. With a degree in biology from Saint Petersburg State University, he decided to try a clinical approach to molecular biology and worked for three years in leukemia diagnostics at the State Pavlov Medical University. But he felt that clinics was not for him and that “research would be more exciting.” He had fallen in love with Barcelona, and decided to apply for a ”la Caixa” Fellowship in Angel Nebreda’s group. “I found the research in the Oncology Programme to be the most interesting because it is related to my previous work. Combining biology and medicine is indeed very important to me,” he says.

ou can’t talk about SH2 without mentioning the name Tony Pawson. SH2 is a domain common to many proteins that plays a key

role in cell signalling. Born in the UK, Pawson is now

many Nobel Laureates, such as Max Perutz, Tim Hunt and Michael Smith. “I always followed what excited me. My suggestion for young scientists is to do what you are passionate about. If you are convinced of what you’re doing, don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. After all, if people react strongly to your ideas, it’s probably because the ideas are important. It is a challenge to prove you are right.” Have you experienced something similar? The field of protein interaction at the beginning of the Eighties was a promising one, but it was indeed difficult to persuade the scientific community that

Once again the path that leads to IRB Barcelona runs

signalling among proteins could be so fundamental in

through the coast of Chile. Gonzalo Quiroga (Bar-

biochemistry. Large macromolecular complexes are or-

celona, 1986) studied biology at the University of

ganised and do play an important role in cell interac-

Barcelona but spent nearly a year in the South American

tions. Now we understand that proteins and domains

country studying marine biology and the regeneration of

assemble a large network of interactions that are more

the spinal cord in Xenopus. “While I was in Chile, I ap-

branched than we thought. We are manipulating this

plied for an IRB Barcelona PhD Fellowship,” he tells In vivo shyly. “Since I had worked

network of interactions, for example by inhibiting

at the Barcelona Science Park, I knew that the infrastructure and the scientific level of

small molecules, in order to find therapies.

the Institute were high. I think I am going to learn a lot here, in the best environment!” Gonzalo joined Marco Milán’s lab this month. He will entertain himself with Drosophila, small interfering RNA and chromosome instability.

In your presentation you mentioned that bad is good. What do you mean? I believe that the emergence of protein domains with new functions, and the joining of domains in new combinations has

ON THE MOVE

provided cells with new lines of communication. It is rare in biol-

Coming to IRB Barcelona meant quite a change for Nadine

Utz (Hamburg, 1977). “Previously, I co-developed a quantum mechanics method in a small group at the University of Freiburg.” During the four years she spent as a postdoc in Modesto Orozco’s lab, Nadine was able to concentrate on science alone and forget about bureaucracy and teaching. She worked on molecular dynamics simulations mainly on the nuclear receptor PPARγ and the KinoMoDEL Project. She left in September to join German BioImaging as a project manager. The mission of this new network is to promote activities and communication of optical microscopists in Germany.

ogy that something completely novel appears, and instead cells evolve by finding new uses for old molecules. What seems bad, or superfluous, evolution-wise,

might end up opening new paths for cellular mechanisms that lead to an evolutionary leap. L.T. BARONE

In vivo, issue 20. Published by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Office of Communications & External Relations. Barcelona Science Park. c/Baldiri Reixac, 10. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.  Web: www.irbbarcelona.org - Facebook: www.facebook.com/irbbarcelona - Twitter: @IRBBarcelona Editors: Luca Tancredi Barone and Sarah Sherwood. Contributor: Julia García López. Graphic Production: La Trama. Legal deposit: MU-29-2012. This document has been printed on recycled paper. To subscribe or unsubscribe from in vivo email info@irbbarcelona.org. © IRB Barcelona 2012.