The Power of Pericytes - Dr. Isaura Martins

The Power of Pericytes - Dr. Isaura Martins

From Spinal Cast by MCPF

April 27, 2025 · 36 min · Season 1 · Episode 34

About this episode

Dr. Isaura Martins discusses the role of pericytes in spinal cord recovery and her efforts in mentoring women in science.

In this episode of Spinal Cast, we’re chatting with Dr. Isaura Martins about some seriously cool science. Her lab is digging into the world of pericytes - not the spooky creature, but a real type of cell that plays a big role in protecting the vascular barrier in the spinal cord during injury and repair. We discuss why pericytes are critical in spinal cord recovery and how winning the Wings of Life Foundation Research Award helped kickstart her lab. We also learn about her passion for mentoring women in science through the World Women in Neuroscience. She’s not just a rockstar researcher - she’s helping shape the future of neuroscience and making the case for why supporting science benefits everyone. Turns out pericytes aren’t spooky at all. Special thanks to Dr. Martins for being our guest! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience! Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Isaura Martins

Topics covered

  • pericytes
  • spinal cord recovery
  • neuroscience
  • women in science
  • research awards

Keywords

  • pericytes
  • spinal cord
  • neuroscience
  • research
  • women in science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wings of Life Foundation, World Women in Neuroscience, Clientek, Morton Cure Paralysis Fund

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