Member Spotlight: Cristina Lo Celso, PhD

Cristina Lo Celso, PhD
Imperial College London, UK

Hometown
Torino, Italy

Current Residence
London, UK

Graduate Degree
 Biotechnology in Medicine

Postdoc Work
Epidermal stem cells

Current Position
Professor of Stem Cell Biology, Co-director of the Centre for Haemeatology, Imperial College London

• What is the current focus of your research, and what do you find most rewarding about your work?

  My research aims to understand cell extrinsic regulation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and how this changes during stress or disease. My group uses intravital and ex vivo microscopy analyses of entire bone marrow cavities to achieve a system-level understanding of the localization of HSCs and their cellular interactions. These images are incredibly rewarding to me, partly because they are still technically challenging to obtain.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  Haematopoietic stem cells maintain the production of all our blood cells throughout our lifetime. They generate more cells than there are stars in the whole universe, and they adapt their output depending on what the body needs. They can only do so when they reside in their home within the bone marrow, and therefore it is very important that we understand where they are in the bone marrow, what other cells they interact with, and how these interactions support or, in case of stress, may hinder haematopoietic stem cell function.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  I became interested in research when I read a novel about the first clinicians and researchers who understood that HIV was the cause of AIDS. It was very clear to me that scientists could contribute to the good of mankind. By the time I was an undergraduate, stem cells had emerged as the key of regenerative medicine, ie the next frontier of medicine, and I was captivated by them.

• What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

  Apart from taking a peak at the bone marrow, which is a very complex tissue packed with a myriad of cell types, I love seeing young scientists develop their thoughts and approaches. I have been incredibly proud of all the achievements of my group.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  It is hard work, but if it is your passion, it will be incredibly rewarding.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  Yes, many, and ranging from more senior colleagues and friends to more junior colleagues and even trainees, from whom I have learned both how to do the job and how to be in the best frame of mind to tackle the challenges it entails.

• How do you spend your free time?

  I used to grow vegetables, run (lightly) and paint. This has been hard to pursue since the birth of my daughter four and a half years ago, but I am now halfway through the ‘from couch to 5k’ run training program. I enjoy rediscovering the world through my daughter’s eyes, and finding good dress up outfits is definitely becoming one of our highlight activities.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  When I picked my PhD I wanted to study somatic stem cells but not haematopoietic stem cells, because who could deal with so many markers? And four years later, who knew they would become my long-term interest.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  Interactions with stem cell scientists beyond the haematopoietic field. There most often still is a separation between studying ‘solid’ and ‘liquid’ tissues, but cross-pollination between the two fields is most exciting and fruitful.