Dr Virginie Sotille

Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology
The University of Nottingham

Scientific background

I have studied biochemistry and cell and molecular biology as an undergraduate in Nice (south of France). I then moved to Basel (Switzerland) to carry out a PhD research project on bone marrow stem cells at Novartis. Following the award of my PhD, I joined the Roslin Institute (Edinburgh) as a postdoctoral researcher to continue working on stem cells, and have joined the University of Nottingham over five years ago to set up my own lab.

Why dementia research?

Because of my background in stem cell biology, I am interested in establishing the potential of stem cells for diseases such as dementia, for which there are still little therapies available, and for which the use of patients' own stem cells may provide new treatment possibilities in the future. Because of the considerable consequences of dementia for patients and their families, such scientific research could have significant impact and make a difference.

Current research interests?

My lab studies the two best known types of stem cells identified in the body, those from the bone marrow and those residing in the brain, to determine how these cells could be used to repair lost brain cells in the case of dementia.

What do you think people with dementia should expect from research in the next 10 years?

There is a pressing demand from the public for regenerative medicine breakthroughs in order to better treat degenerative diseases. Our research stands at the very beginning of this development process: we carry out fundamental experiments to understand how stem cells work and what they can be induced to do, in order to devise new therapeutic approaches. This initial research effort is required if stem cells are to be used clinically in the future. Our results will contribute to the design of stem cell applications developed over the next 10 to 15 years.

What needs to be in place for this to happen?

The field of regenerative medicine and stem cell research is new, and is thus dependent on a sustained effort to carry out all fundamental and safety investigations necessary if it is to deliver reliable benefit to patients.

What interests do you have outside of your research?

Outside of my research activities, I enjoy Italian food and have to confess a predilection for the various cheeses that Italy, France and the UK have to offer. I also have a range of interests, from current affairs and independent films to Formula1 racing; and I enjoy listening to Blues music and the Rolling Stones.