From the Lab to the Limelight - Blog version of our #TraineeTuesday Twitter series
Today’s #TraineeTuesday star is Eduardo Martin-Lopez, PhD! This Associate Research Scientist in the Greer Lab recently published a paper in Journal of Neuroscience. By exploring molecular mechanisms involved in loss of olfaction in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Eduardo hopes to illuminate the causes of olfactory deficits in PD patients and improve tools for diagnosis.
In his recent project, Eduardo discovered alterations in proteins that regulate synaptic vesicle trafficking in the olfactory pathway. He also found changes in olfactory bulb neurogenesis, a phenomenon that modulates the olfactory input in the brain.
One of the most important features of my research is that I have effectively combined the fields of neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases, which I believe is vital for future scientific discoveries.
Eduardo Martin-Lopez, PhD
Eduardo has always been fascinated by how the brain communicates with the rest of the body to produce movement or generate thoughts. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Salamanca, he went on to get his PhD at the Cajal Institute in Madrid. Working under Manuel Nieto-Sampedro, PhD, he designed biomaterial implants to optimize the grafting of olfactory ensheathing cells in a model of spinal cord injury. From there, he completed a postdoc with Laura Lopez-Mascaraque, PhD, an expert in the olfactory system. He then left Spain for a postdoc with Baylor College of Medicine scientist Andrew K. Groves, PhD, a leader in the field of inner ear development and repair.
Eduardo was inspired to move to the United States by a book called “Advice for a Young Investigator,” written by Santiago Ramon y Cajal in 1898. One piece of advice spoke about going abroad to work: “…they should examine their conscience and decide whether or not they would benefit from undergoing a spiritual cure abroad. The laboratory of a scholar is an ideal sanatorium for wandering attention and a faltering will. Here, old prejudices vanish and new contagions that are both enlightening and sublime are contracted.”
By working in a diversity of laboratories across two different countries, Eduardo’s mind has opened to new approaches to scientific issues.
Coming to Yale, he combined his varied expertise in sensory organs development and adult nervous system repair. Working with Charles Greer, PhD, he investigates olfactory cortex development, and has been able to collaborate with Sreeganga Chandra, PhD, to apply this to Parkinson’s disease. “My journey to become a Yale scientist has been challenging but fulfilling. I am excited for the future of my scientific career of which Yale is an essential pillar,” Eduardo said.
One of the critical aspects of success in science is working in a supportive environment. In that respect, I do not have enough words to describe how grateful I am to Dr. Charles A. Greer. His generosity is indescribable, and he actively creates and maintains a supportive environment in his laboratory.
Eduardo Martin-Lopez, PhD
By using his knowledge of olfactory system development and neurorepair, Eduardo’s overall goal is to discover neuro-regeneration strategies that replicate the neurodevelopmental environment. He also aspires to become a neuroscience professor who uses new methods of teaching and embraces an inclusive atmosphere.
See also this Yale News coverage of Eduardo's article.