First person – Paco López-Cuevas Free

Paco López-Cuevas

How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?

Upon wounding, inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, are among the first to arrive at the injury site. They aid in healing by clearing away dead cells and bacteria, preventing infection and facilitating the growth of healthy cells. Macrophages also help form new blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients and support collagen production for new tissue.

Given the importance of macrophages in wound healing, we aimed to modify macrophage activity to enhance tissue repair. We used transparent zebrafish, which are easy to study genetically, and injected them with protocells (small particles) containing specific drugs. We observed that macrophages absorbed these drugs, influencing blood vessel formation and collagen production at the wound site. In infected wounds, this approach improved the ability of macrophages to kill bacteria, thereby speeding up healing. In bone fractures, it also affected osteoblasts and osteoclasts, key cells involved in fracture repair.

Testing on human cells showed similar results, indicating that this technique could potentially control inflammation and improve wound healing in humans.

Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?

I am a cell biologist with a background in using zebrafish models to study various human diseases, including infections, cancer and wound healing, where inflammatory cells play crucial roles. Although this expertise was invaluable for the project, I initially lacked the chemistry skills needed to synthesize the protocells used in most of our experiments. Fortunately, with the support of Stephen Mann's lab members – Can Xu, Yu Zhao, and Zhuping Yin – I acquired the necessary chemistry techniques to produce protocells in the lab.

This experience highlights the vital role of collaboration in science. The complexity and breadth of modern research mean that no individual can master every aspect of their field. By seeking help and collaborating with others, researchers can leverage the expertise and techniques developed by their peers. This collaborative approach accelerates the pace of discovery and enables scientists to tackle more significant challenges.

When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?

My ‘eureka’ moment came when I observed that fish treated with protocells eliminated more bacteria and healed their wounds significantly faster than the control group. This observation illuminated the potential implications of my work for developing clinical treatments, offering more effective solutions for wound care and infection management.

Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?

I chose Journal of Cell Science (JCS) as the ideal home for my paper due to my positive experiences reading numerous insightful papers in cell biology and zebrafish research published there. Additionally, colleagues from my lab have successfully published their work on related topics in JCS and have highly recommended it. They praised the Editors and Reviewers for their constructive feedback, which significantly strengthened their research. Furthermore, since their publications in JCS, our work has garnered considerable interest from the scientific community, demonstrating the journal's extensive reach and influence. This makes JCS a good strategic platform for disseminating my findings to a wide audience of experts in the field.

What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?

I have been interested in research since I began my undergraduate studies, but it was during my first postgraduate research internship at the University of Cambridge that I realized the impact that I could have as a biomedical researcher. There, I investigated new tuberculosis treatments using zebrafish. Seeing the clinical potential of my experiments was a turning point, solidifying my decision to pursue a scientific career. The idea of contributing to advancements that could improve people's health is incredibly inspiring. Although I am not particularly interested in the production of treatments, I am deeply fascinated by the basic biology and fundamental concepts involved in understanding human pathologies, such as chronic wounds and cancer. The ongoing challenge of fully elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these conditions fuels my passion for science.

Being a scientist requires a diverse set of skills, from reading and understanding the literature to generating new ideas, planning and analysing experiments, writing papers and grants, and preparing presentations for both scientific and non-scientific audiences. This multifaceted nature of scientific work ensures that it is never monotonous. What I truly love is the process of developing an idea, planning an experiment and executing it to find answers. The continuous learning and variety inherent in a scientific career make it an engaging and fulfilling pursuit.

What's next for you?

My interest in cancer biology, particularly melanoma, has led me to begin a new postdoctoral position in Richard White's lab at the University of Oxford. This opportunity allows me to conduct experiments using my favourite animal model, the zebrafish. Joining White's team feels like a dream come true, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading his papers during my PhD. I am confident that this environment is ideal for advancing my scientific career and developing my own independent ideas. This experience will prepare me for the next step in my journey – potentially becoming a group leader.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV

When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy staying active through workouts at the gym and playing tennis. These activities not only keep me physically fit but also provide a mental break, allowing me to return to work with renewed energy and clarity. Additionally, I have a passion for exploring new cuisines. Whenever I travel abroad, I make it a point to indulge in local dishes and culinary traditions.