INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
CONICET researcher awarded by the Society for Endocrinology in the UK
Researcher Carolina Cristina was awarded for a study that describes the new role of stem cells in pituitary tumors.
Carolina Cristina, associate researcher of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) at the Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Noroeste of the province of Buenos Aires (CIT NOBA, CONICET-UNNOBA) was awarded for a publication in Endocrine Related Cancer journal in 20115. Her study describes the new role of stem cells in pituitary tumors.
“We worked with Damasia Becu of the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME, CONICET-FIBYME) as part of an international cooperation project with the University of Leuven, Belgium, led by Hugo Vankelekom”, explains the researcher who also works as the director of the Laboratories Program and professor of the Universidad Nacional del Noroeste of the province of Buenos Aires.
This study proved the presence of tumour stem cells in pituitary adenomas and the capacity these cells have to generate the tumor. “For other type of tumours this has been more studied but for pituitary, there were no descriptions so we managed to do it with our patients and other experimental models”, Cristina comments.
As regards the importance of the awarded publication –research in early stage- Cristina highlights the internships in Belgium to know the isolation techniques for stem cells in pituitary tumors. “It was very important for us to publish and collaborate with this. In fact, we use these techniques at the CIT NOBA Laboratory. This award is a trigger to continue studying.” The scientist also highlighted the relevance of the collaboration between the laboratories as it “enriches the study and the knowledge.”
“I really value the effort we have made in Argentina with the means we have and the same results – with much more effort-. We show that we can do science like in any part of the world”, the researcher concludes.
It is worth mentioning that every year the Society for Endocrinology in the UK awards five scientific publications for its originality, content and contribution to the discipline.
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