Science
Talents in Science
Professor Frisén, what are you currently working on?
In your opinion, what are the most significant developments in the field of spinal cord research in recent years?
Our ongoing project, funded by Wings for Life, focuses on stem cells. We are attempting to influence endogenous stem cells in the spinal cord of mice – in such a way that new nerve cells are created. This should restore neuronal circuits and help restore lost bodily functions, such as walking.
I would argue the increasing understanding of axonal regeneration, as in the regrowth of nerve cells. I believe that knowing what inhibits and promotes this growth, as well as possible strategies for influencing these nerve cells, are the most important developments in the field of spinal cord research.
How did you first get involved in research?
Which research milestones are you particularly proud of?
I got excited about research very early during medical school. One day, while working in the clinic, I
I am most excited about the identification and characterisation of the role neural stem cells play
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in the adult spinal cord. I am very proud of this milestone. You are considered a visionary in your field. How do you expect spinal cord research to develop in the future?
I am optimistic that we will witness the development of more strategies to stimulate regeneration by means of cell replacement. This involves trying to replace dead cells in the spinal cord. I reckon there will be great leaps in this area. Is there anything you cannot live without?
My children, most definitely! They are now 12, 15 and 17 years old. For me, spending time with them is pure bliss. What dreams and goals do you pursue?
I dream of contributing to new therapies through my work, u lt i mately helpi ng pat ients suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Photo: Stefan Zimmerman/Karolinska Institutet
Jonas Frisén, Professor of Stem Cell Research, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden.
analysed tissue from an injured spinal cord under the microscope. I observed a group of cells that had reacted to the injury. Evidently, they were forming new cells in response to the injury. This was a eureka moment for me, leading to the identification of neural stem cells in the spinal cord. I gave up my clinical work and concentrated exclusively on fundamental research from that point on.
