Conversations in Salamanca: Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte

Conversations in Salamanca: understanding the ageing process

If a subject is important for society, its analysis must be shared and its understanding encouraged by the whole population in order to strengthen and legitimize all the efforts that have to be made in the search for the most appropriate answers.

Therefore, bringing together the knowledge of those scientists who are at the forefront of research and sharing reflections, questions and answers with them is, without a doubt, a priority commitment for the International Centre on Ageing (CENIE).

From CENIE we are interested in the ageing of the population in all its aspects, knowing that we are facing a universal phenomenon, because the way in which the passage of time affects the different capacities of people is similar in different cultures; it is a process, which in its most primary conception, passes through the same stages, which may be more or less prolonged in time.

It is the people who work in these fields and seek positive responses for the benefit of society that star in "Conversations in Salamanca: understanding the ageing process", are relevant scientists, whose dedication and perseverance require the recognition and support of society, are Exceptional people that belong to the group that defines the following statement:

"Success is always preceded, of worrying more than what others consider wise, of taking more risks than others think is safe, of dreaming more than others think is practical, of expecting more than others assume that it is possible, and to strive more than what others consider necessary. "

Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte

Director of the Gene Expression Laboratory Roger Guillemin Chair

Born on December 16 in Hellín, Spain. Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Valencia. Doctor`s degree from the University of Bologna, (Italy), and from the University of Valencia. Guest doctor at the University of Marburg, (Germany), European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL) Heidelberg, (Germany), University College London and Oxford University, (England) and University of California, Los Angeles, (United States). He was Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona. He is currently working at the Salk Institute, La Jolla, (United States) and at the University of California at San Diego, (United States).

It is a major catalyst in one of the most promising areas of biomedicine: regenerative medicine. His work is helping to discover new molecules and specific genetic / cellular treatments to prevent and cure diseases that affect humanity in both adult and embryonic stages.

His observations have been key to elucidate the cellular and molecular bases of tissue / organ regeneration. His early work was crucial to understanding the fundamental genetic and cellular principles that govern the development of vertebrates and the regeneration of organs and tissues. They formed the basis from which he has constructed conceptual discoveries and new methodologies for regenerative medicine, which include:

• Seminar discoveries to understand the molecular basis underlying the reprogramming of somatic cells.
• New methodologies for the differentiation of human stem cells in various types of cells and organoids, such as the kidney.
• Proof of concept that iPSC technology can be used for the generation of specific cells from patients with corrected disease with potential value for cell therapy.
• Development of technologies that allow the differentiation of human cells within embryos of different species. These results can allow the regeneration of human tissues and organs.
• Development of new models of human ageing stem cells and diseases associated with ageing, and discovery of new ageing engines.
• New genetic and epigenetic technologies to treat and prevent the transmission of diseases originating in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA.

He has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of his professional work.

Xavier Sardà

Journalist