Member Spotlight: Ludovic Vallier, PhD

Ludovic Vallier, PhD
Berlin Institute of Health at Charite, Germany

Hometown
Lyon, France

Current Residence
Berlin, Germany

Graduate Degree
PhD

Postdoc Work
During my post-doc in Roger Pedersen’s lab (University of Cambridge), I used human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) to study the molecular mechanisms controlling the specification of the three germ layers endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. Using this model system, we uncovered the mechanisms by which Nodal/Activin/TGFbeta signalling maintains the pluripotent state of human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) in vitro and in the late epiblast after implantation in vivo. This knowledge was then exploited to develop a diversity of protocols for differentiating hPSCs into cell types with a clinical interest such as hepatocytes.

Current Position
Einstein Professor for Stem Cells in Regenerative Therapies

Join Ludovic Vallier during the Emerging New Therapies session at the ISSCR 2024 Annual Meeting taking place in Hamburg, Germany 10-13 July 2024. Register today!

• What is the current focus of your research?

  Since our move to Berlin in 2022, my group is mainly studying liver development, liver regeneration and liver diseases. More precisely, our aim is to understand the mechanisms controlling liver development and how these mechanisms can relate to disease and regenerative processes in the adult organ. For that, we are combining data sets from patients (single cell transcriptomic, 2D/3D immunostaining and GWAS), molecular analyses in vitro using model systems based on hPSCs and organoids derived from primary tissues and functional validations in animal models. Ultimately, we want to understand the mechanisms controlling disease onset and tissue repair and then use this knowledge to generate cells with an increased resistance to injury and/or improved regenerative capacity for cell-based therapy applications.

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

  The liver fulfils a multitude of vital functions and diseases targeting this organ are life threatening. Accordingly, 650 million person world-wide are affected by liver disorders. This number will continue to increase in the foreseeable future as there is currently no cure available against end stage liver diseases. Our goal is to address this major unmet clinical need by developing new therapies which can not only repair the liver but also increases its resistance to disease.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  The most rewarding aspect of my work is simply to be a scientist. What a privilege! This job is never boring. It allows us to travel the world, to meet incredible people, and to work on exciting projects. Every day is different. I have the chance to work with an amazing team on multiples projects combing a diversity of technologies which are constantly evolving. The intellectual stimulation is endless.

• What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

  The most exciting aspect of my job is to do science with my team. There is nothing more motivating than to uncover new mechanisms or to set up technologies useful for our field. Translating our research into clinical or commercial applications is also a key drive even if ultimately the generation of basic knowledge remains our primary satisfaction.

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

  I have no scientific pedigree, and I am the first PhD in my family. However, I always wanted to become a scientist as far I can remember. This was the only job that looks truly satisfying. For the joke, I initially wanted to become an astrophysicist, but I rapidly realised that my mathematical mind was too limited to achieve this objective… So, I decided study biology, and this has definitely been the right choice. During my master, I became rapidly fascinated by mouse embryonic stem cells and their capacity of differentiation. Since then, my main drive has been my fascination for pluripotent stem cells and their interest for modelling human development and their potential for clinical applications.

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

  Always focus on your team and your research. Nothing else truly matter. Nonetheless, you need to carefully define your priorities and your timeline. Plan head and define clear milestones for your career including fellowship applications, publications, recruitments etc. Finally, do what you really like and work with the right people for you. Research is a though and competitive environment. So, you need to enjoy it and to have some fun to do it properly.

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

  Mentors and role models are important. They (Roger Pedersen, Anne Webber, Andrew Bradley, Willem Ouwehand etc..) have shaped my way of doing research, my management style, and a big part of my life. They have also been essential at the different steps of my career. However, I have also learnt a lot from bad models. Knowing what you should do is as important as knowing what you should not do.

• How do you spend your free time?

  My free time is mainly dedicated to my family. We enjoy discovering Berlin and Germany together. There is so many things to do. When times allows it, I also like to go to the ocean and do some surfing. I am very bad at it. I can’t really swim and my pop-up technique sucks. So, I am the eternal beginner. However, I like to try (a lot).

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

  I like to work listening to music. My playlist is quite heteroclite. It goes from Gaelle Faye to Florence and the Machine, etc. Background noise and some agitation is not uncommon. So, sharing an office with me is not an option even if I do wear headsets.

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

  I have been member of the ISSCR for almost 20 years and the society has played a major role for me in terms of networking and connecting with other stem cell scientists. It really brings our field together. The ISSCR has created a sense of community and framework which has been essential for the development of stem cell research.

• What excites you most about ISSCR 2024 in Hamburg, Germany?

  To see the meeting back in Europe is a great news. Especially since Hamburg is very close to Berlin. In fact, the ISSCR 2024 will be our lab retreat and we are planning several “team building” activities. So, this should be fun. I also look forward to reconnect with friends and collaborators and to hear great science.