In May, the DREAMS team completed one of its initial training activities with two workshops led by the primary research teams. These sessions aimed to foster cohesion among the diverse teams involved in the project, focusing on common methodologies.
Each principal investigator (PI) not only had the chance to present their respective expertise but also showcased preliminary results pertaining to their area within DREAMS, fostering critical discussions among partners. Additionally, the workshops facilitated the resolution of emerging issues by elucidating each group’s methodologies and sharing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the topic of interest.
Unlocking the Potential of Stem Cells
Hosted from March 11th-13th at the Center for Stem Cell Studies (CECS/I-Stem), this workshop focused on stem cell culture and differentiation. Five representatives, one from each partnering laboratory, participated in an intensive three-day training session.
“The workshop provided a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of stem cell research while also acting as a platform to validate the meticulously drafted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by the project team”, explained PI X. Nissan, who spearheaded the session.
DREAMS research team members at the inaugural workshop led by CECS/I-stem
These SOPs, meticulously drafted and expected to be submitted soon as a project deliverable, play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reproducibility of the research outcomes.
Navigating the Complexities of Autophagy Measurements
This workshop took place over two half-days on May 21st and 22nd at the Institute of Myology in Paris, bringing together several key groups involved in the DREAMS project. Participants included the INSERM group (led by PIs S. Vassilopoulos and A. Muchir), the CECS group (led by PI X. Nissan), the Technion group (led by PI S. Cohen), the private company Samsara Therapeutics (led by PI John Blackwood), and the AFM-Téléthon group (led by PI Alexandre Méjat). Each of these groups has a direct interest in autophagy and plays a role in its analysis and measurement throughout the DREAMS project.
Members of the DREAMS research team during the second workshop led by INSERM
On the second day of the workshop, participants, particularly students and engineers, had the opportunity for hands-on experience with electron microscopy. They gained practical skills and operated the microscope themselves to visualize autophagosomes using two advanced electron microscopy techniques. The live discussions with other partners and updates on the progress of each group’s work within DREAMS were also highly beneficial.
“Overall, it was very positive to see the synergy between the different groups, the significant progress achieved so far, and the insightful discussions that followed each presentation,” explains PI S.Vassilopoulos.
An additional benefit was the opportunity for cross-reviewing group’s results and their potential relevance to others. “For instance, through this workshop, we uncovered that findings from S. Cohen’s group at Technion in Israel, focusing on two DREAMS diseases (EDMD and CNM myopathies), closely intersected with the work of the INSERM group in Paris. This revelation not only provided valuable insights but also prompted both groups to propose additional experiments for future collaboration”, he adds.
