Gastón Mario Pascual is a PhD student at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who received an EACR Travel Fellowship to visit and work at the University of Paris Est-Créteil, France between April and June 2025.
The EACR, with support from Worldwide Cancer Research, provides Travel Fellowships of up to €3,500 to enable early-career cancer researchers to gain new skills through a short-term visit to a lab or research group in another country.
You can read about other Travel Fellows and their experiences here.
Name: Gastón Mario Pascual
Job title: PhD student
Home institute: University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Host institute: University of Paris Est-Créteil, France
Dates of visit: 02 April – 28 June 2025
Research: My research focuses on studying carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) as potential therapeutic agents for prostate cancer. I aim to understand how these molecules work at the cellular level and which biological pathways they affect, with the goal of exploring their potential use as novel anticancer treatments.
Why did you decide to apply for an EACR Travel Fellowship?
The decision to apply for the EACR Travel Fellowship was mainly based on the fact that it perfectly matched what my mentors and I were looking for in terms of supporting my research exchange abroad. Considering that the host lab was located in Paris, France, and the stay lasted for three months, this fellowship was ideally suited to our plans. Additionally, the prestige associated with receiving a Fellowship from the EACR made the opportunity even more appealing.
Why did you choose the host lab?
The host lab was selected because it is the leading laboratory in the development and use of the molecules I am studying during my PhD, carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), to analyse their effects in prostate cancer. Drs. Motterlini and Foresti are pioneers in the field and have significantly contributed to the development and application of CO-RMs in biomedical research.
Can you summarise the research you did or what you learned on your visit?
During my stay, I was able to deepen my understanding of CO-RMs and their effects on prostate cancer in in vitro models. I learned a great deal about the chemical characteristics of these molecules, as well as their biological effects under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. I had the opportunity to work with a specialised hypoxia incubator to precisely control oxygen levels in cell cultures. Additionally, I conducted metabolic assays using the Seahorse Analyzer, which allowed me to explore the metabolic impact of CO-RMs on prostate cancer cells in real time.
Describe a ‘typical day’ on your visit.
A typical day involved working with prostate cancer cells under two distinct oxygen conditions: standard atmospheric levels and low, controlled oxygen conditions using a hypoxic chamber. After treating the cells with CO-RMs, I performed various assays, both metabolic and functional, to evaluate their effects. Throughout the day, I engaged in continuous discussions with the host lab team, sharing insights and interpreting results collaboratively.
What were you able to do that you could not have achieved in your home lab?
Primarily, I was able to use a hypoxia chamber to study the effects of CO-RMs on prostate cancer cells under oxygen levels that more closely resemble the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, I had access to the Seahorse XF Analyzer, which enabled me to assess in real time the metabolic responses to CO-RM treatment, equipment not available in my home institution.
Did you take part in any interesting local activities?
Absolutely. I had the pleasure of exploring Paris, a beautiful city rich in architecture, history and gastronomy. I visited iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum. I also enjoyed the local cuisine, from traditional dishes to the delights of Parisian boulangeries.
Did you have a personal mentor or anyone who particularly helped you?
I was fortunate to work in a lab where the entire team was supportive, helpful, and eager to share their knowledge about CO-RMs and the experimental procedures I performed. I am especially grateful to Dr. Roberto Motterlini and Dr. Roberta Foresti, who closely and continuously supervised the development of my research on CO-RMs in prostate cancer.
How has the trip inspired you in your research?
The inspiration came from the strong scientific spirit and passion for research that the host lab conveyed. It was not just about conducting experiments, but also about thinking critically, discussing ideas, and proposing new hypotheses and experiments collaboratively.
Have you brought back any specific knowledge or technique that has benefited your home lab?
Yes, I brought back new knowledge regarding the use and evaluation of CO-RMs in disease models, specifically in prostate cancer. Additionally, I gained insight into their metabolic effects, which opened new perspectives for ongoing and future research in my home lab. I also acquired extensive knowledge about carbon monoxide – how to study it, its cellular effects, and how to translate this understanding into cancer models, particularly in the context of prostate cancer.
Does your lab plan to do any future collaboration with the host lab?
Yes, absolutely. Our collaboration will continue, with the aim of publishing the results obtained during this exchange and advancing further in the study of CO-RMs in prostate cancer.
How has this visit been beneficial to your research and your career?
From the perspective of my PhD studies, this experience was crucial in helping me understand the mechanisms of the molecules I’ve been evaluating throughout my doctoral research. It also allowed me to perform key experiments that support the central hypothesis of my thesis. The knowledge and skills I acquired during this visit are invaluable.
Want to find out more?
If you are interested in applying for the Travel Fellowship scheme, please click here for more information: EACR Travel Fellowships.
