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In this eye-opening episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we explore the remarkable regenerative power of olfactory neurons—and what that could mean for healing damage in the central nervous system.

Host Jarod Carter is joined by Claudia Garrigós (PhD student) and Jaume Lillo (postdoctoral researcher), two scientists from the University of Barcelona who who are authors on a fascinating review paper titled: Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system.

While neurons in the brain and spinal cord typically don’t regenerate after injury, olfactory neurons do—and they do so throughout adulthood.

This unique biological process may hold critical clues for repairing various forms of neurotrauma or neurodegenerative diseases.

Claudia and Jaume share insights from their research into how olfactory receptor cells regenerate, why olfactory glial cells are already being used in preclinical trials for spinal cord repair, and what challenges remain in translating this science into real-world therapies. They also offer personal reflections on the most surprising discoveries from their research—and even trace the evolutionary origins of the sense of smell back 700 million years.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in regenerative neuroscience, and the untapped potential of the body’s own sensory systems.

Please note, at the time of this writing, Claudia is looking for a 3 month research exchange program with a US-based lab during her PhD. To connect with and message her, please visit her LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-garrig%C3%B3s-006bb2233/

Full Bios:

Claudia Garrigós is a biologist specializing in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. She began her academic journey with an exchange year at Westside High School in Augusta, USA (2016). She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Alicante (2018-2022), including a study period in Neuroscience at the University of Skövde, Sweden (2021). During her undergraduate studies, she gained research experience at the Institute of Neurosciences (Alicante), where she collaborated on studies of altered molecular mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease (2022). She further specialized in human pathologies through a Master’s in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona (2022-2023), consolidating her expertise in the molecular basis of diseases. Currently, Claudia is a PhD student in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, focusing on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly olfactory receptors and their signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Jaume Lillo earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) before completing a Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona (UB). In 2019, Jaume began doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Rafael Franco and Dr. Gemma Navarro, culminating in a cum laude distinction and receiving the Extraordinary Award from the Biomedicine doctoral program. His research focused on studying the heteromers of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), with a particular emphasis on the Cannabinoid System and its neuroprotective role in various pathologies of the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Key Topics Discussed:

• A Unique Model for Regeneration:
  Why olfactory neurons continue to regenerate in adults—and how this process could be applied to the spinal cord and brain.
• Olfactory Glia and Spinal Cord Injury:
  How olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) support axonal regrowth and remyelination, and their use in preclinical trials for SCI and MS.
• Challenges of Translational Research:
  Why studying olfactory receptors is so complex—and what’s holding back clinical application in humans.
• From Nose to Brain:
  Surprising findings about how olfactory receptors are found throughout the body—not just the nose—and may play unexpected roles in neurodegenerative disease.
• Evolution and Inspiration:
  What ancient jellyfish teach us about the evolutionary roots of smell, and how a 700-million-year-old receptor might help heal modern injuries.
• Scientific Heroes and Human Curiosity:
  The influences that shaped Claudia and Jaume’s paths as scientists—including the legacy of Darwin and Ramón y Cajal.

Articles being discussed:

• Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system
  

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