Post-doc Profile: Dr Dylan Deska-Gauthier

Recent PhD graduate and trainee, Dr. Dylan Deska-Gauthier first joined the Brain Repair Centre (BRC) as an undergraduate in the Integrated Science Program at Dalhousie. Originally a chemistry major, Dr. Deska-Gauthier became fascinated with the brain when he was introduced to Dr. Ying Zhang’s research.

“I fell in love with the spinal cord when I was introduced to Dr. Zhang’s work,” says Dr. Deska-Gauthier. “She looks at it from the genetic, cellular, to behaviour aspects of locomotion and I was immediately hooked. I interviewed to work with her as a PhD student and didn’t apply anywhere else. The rest is history!”

Dr. Deska-Gauthier’s work in the Zhang lab is part of the Atlantic Mobility Action Project (AMAP) cluster of the BRC, a large group of spinal cord researchers (including neurosurgeons, neurobiologists, electrophysiologists, physiatrists, and physiotherapists), who aim to restore function and mobility in people with diseases or injuries that affect their spinal cord and nervous system.

“The integrated approach within AMAP is invaluable,” says Dr. Deska-Gauthier. “It wasn’t until I went for training at the Shanghai Institute of Technology that I appreciated just how important and fruitful it is. As basic scientists, having access to physiotherapists, physicians and paramedics is so helpful.”

Dr. Deska-Gauthier’s PhD project sought to understand the function of neural circuits in the spinal cord. These neurons are unique compared to others because they are with us for life; they don’t turn over as they do in the case of skin cells, for example. “We have learned from our study of mice that a unique class of neurons in the spinal cord are born between nine and 13 days after conception. Within that window of time, we have found huge implications for downstream genetic expressions and, ultimately, function in the adult.” 

The knowledge gathered at this early developmental stage helps researchers define clusters of cells to understand the principles of locomotion controlled by the spinal cord. “Once we can define clusters of cells, we can study them at the functional level and track them through a patient’s life to understand different behaviours, disease or injury,” he says. “If we can see changes that happen during early development that might predict the onset of disease, such as ALS, we can possibly identify a pre-emptive window for treatment. That’s the dream for this work.”

Dr. Deska-Gauthier is very passionate about the research, though he recognizes that it can be an unforgiving pursuit. “I tell undergrads that to enjoy this work, they really need to be intrinsically motivated to play a small part in something much bigger than themselves. We are excited about our work, but we are droplets in the ocean. You need the internal drive and inspiration to keep going.

A number of key people have supported Dylan and helped him to stay inspired and motivated. “I can’t put into words how incredible it has been to work with Dr. Zhang – the support and autonomy she has given me to work on ideas that I am passionate about has been extraordinary.”

Dr. Deska-Gauthier also credits Dr. Leanne Stevens as a wonderful, helpful source of support and Dr. Ronald Stewart, a dear friend and mentor, has helped him stay focused on his goals. He also had a chance to study with Dr. Guisheng Zhong at ShanghaiTech University, who showed him a different side of biology.

At the BRC, trainees not only learn and grow in their area of focus, but also receive great opportunities for professional development, such as Journal Clubs, volunteering and conferences. “For the past five years, I’ve been helping to organize and present Brain Awareness Week as a member and co-chair of the committee,” says Dr. Deska-Gauthier. “That includes collaborating with charities and other partners, like the Discovery Centre, to raise awareness, engage kids at an earlier age and give back to the community.”

With his PhD now complete, Dr. Deska-Gauthier is at University of Toronto to continue his education. “For me, the unique training and working environment provided through AMAP and the BRC is so inspirational,” he says. “Being able to solve problems by viewing them through many different perspectives has been enlightening and invaluable. My next goal is to build on that learning to become a clinician scientist, working in basic science and eventually seeing and treating patients.”