Optimising Mesodermal Specification of hiPSCs with BMP4 and CHIR99021: Towards Enhanced Haematopoietic Stem Cell Production

Can you introduce yourself and your summer research project?

Hi, My name is Proud H. Sukkasem, and I am studying BSc Medical Sciences (Hons) and will be going into my last year as a Senior Honours student. Ever since first year, stem cell and regenerative medicine has always been my top interest within all biomedical disciplinaries. So, finally with this summer research project, I have gotten the opportunity to research this specific field with the Fidanza Lab at the Centre of Regenerative Medicine (CRM) in Edinburgh BioQuarter.

The project investigates the initial development of haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) involved in the induction of the germ layer specific to haematopoiesis known as extraembryonic mesoderm. The project aims in identifying marker genes to differentiate between mesoderm and extraembryonic mesoderm as well as manipulating known signalling pathways for potential insights in the optimisation of the mesoderm induction process. Since, more mesoderm means more HSCs. 

How did you receive the funding for your research project?

Honourable acknowledgements to the Deanery of Biomedical Sciences for providing the Summer Scholarship funding for this summer research project. Along with my supervisor, we applied for an external funding body but unfortunately didn't receive it, so we then applied to the summer scholarship funding which allowed us to continue this project to what it is today. 

What was the most rewarding part of your summer research?

It was definitely getting to see my hard work come to fruition. As it was an intense five-week project, I was learning more and more things every single day. I also learnt that for every researcher, the progress of any experiment depends on either a good or a bad day. However, being able to learn something from the whole process despite any result is of the utmost importance. I can say that this summer research made me understand more about the sense of purpose as a scientific researcher and the importance of this project for the medical industry.

Why should students get involved in a summer research project?

It is a great opportunity to explore the world outside of lectures and classes and using the small amount of theory you have learnt and expanding that alongside the experiences you will accumulate. Not only that you are creating your own experimental design and learning more, but you are also getting to hear from other research group on their ideas and current findings, allowing collaborations and discussions of novel ideas. By getting into the heart of the community with likeminded individuals bonded with the mutual love for medical science is incredibly awe-inspiring.

How has this research experience influenced your future study and career paths?

I am certain that I would like to pursue my study in stem cell and regenerative medicine for my postgraduate studies. However, this experience has also emphasised the importance of work-related experience. So, I would like to challenge myself by diving further into the industry to gain real technical experience and transferable soft skills before going into post-doctoral studies. 

What advice would you give future students applying for summer research scholarships?

Always an important thing to consider is "What are you most interested in?". 

Knowing yourself will make the process easier and also, if you don't like something, you definitely won't enjoy it. So, venture in something you have an interest in to make this summer research scholarship useful and enjoyable to you for your future paths. 

Secondly, do a lot of research on what research group inspires you the most, read their papers and think about how it impacts you as a reader and as a researcher. Approach them after reading their paper to avoid embarrassing yourself (they probably will ask you) and let them know what you want to learn from or gain from this internship by working with them. 

Lastly, plan now, so when you see any progress, you can then start building from there on. 

Hope you will be able to find your most suitable research project and have fun with it! 

View Proud Sukkasem's poster for more information: