Axel Joly: from pharmacy to hematopoiesis research

Axel Joly, a pharmacist in the 4th year of his thesis at theInstitut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), works in the "Hematopoiesis and Immunotherapy" team under the supervision of Dr Sandrina Kinet.

What's your background?

I followed a traditional pharmacy course at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Montpellier, specializing in research from the 4th year onwards. In 5th year, I went on to do a Master 2 in the MER (Médecine Expérimentale et Régénératrice) course at the Faculty of Science, with the particular aim of obtaining funding for a doctoral thesis in a research laboratory.

For the first three years of my thesis, I received funding from the CBS2 doctoral school in Montpellier. I then obtained a grant from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM) to carry out a 4th year thesis.

What's your thesis about?

My research aims to better understand how red blood cells are generated from hematopoietic stem cells, and in particular how the metabolic state of stem cells impacts this process.

Our laboratory specializes in the study of nutrient transporters, whose expression and function are crucial for powering intracellular metabolic pathways. In this context, my work focuses on the importance of certain amino acid transporters in the generation of red blood cells, in both physiological and pathological contexts.

Indeed, my research laboratory, along with other teams, has shown that pathologies affecting red blood cell generation, such as myelodysplastic syndromes or Blackfan-Diamond anemias, can be associated with metabolic alterations. A better understanding of the metabolic regulation of this process could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of innovative therapies for these serious pathologies.

Why did you choose the research stream?

I've always been interested in mechanisms of action and understanding biological processes, which naturally led me to choose the research pathway. This stream is well structured, facilitating the transition between pharmacy studies and fundamental research. It prepares you effectively to critically analyze scientific articles and research data, which are key skills for a Master's degree and then a thesis.

In addition to a solid scientific background in biology and chemistry, this course offers a general education that enables students to better understand concepts that are sometimes difficult for more specialized students. The good support I received from my teachers throughout the course also helped me make the transition.

How do you see yourself in the future?

After my thesis, I plan to do a post-doctorate in a laboratory working on subjects that are in line with my current research. I've already identified some interesting laboratories with which I've collaborated in the past. My aim is to continue in academic research.

I'm also interested in teaching. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of returning to university, in pharmacy or science. In an academic career, it's essential to remain open to all opportunities.