Monique Decastel

Researcher
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale
Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe

How long have you been an ASBMB member?
I have been a member since 2010.

What do you study?
I am studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the physiopathology of sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder characterized by a defect in hemoglobin synthesis.

What are some hot research areas in your country?
Knowledge and valorization of tropical plants (at CIRAD, INRA and the University of the French West Indies); health, sickle cell disease, prostate and colorectal cancers (at INSERM, the Sickle Cell Center and the University Hospital Center); and volcanic and seismic studies (at the Magma and Volcano laboratory).

Where do you see research going in your country in 5 to 10 years?
I think it will focus more on valorization of pharmacopoeia and agronomy and on development of new therapeutic strategies to improve sickle patients' quality of life.

Are there any barriers to collaboration?
No.

Where do you get most of your funding?
From France, Europe and local organizations such as Conseil Régional and Conseil Général.

How do you think research in your country differs most from research in the United States?
Guadeloupe is a French West Indies island located in a strategic place (the Caribbean and Central America) that represents Europe in this part of the globe. We have our proper culture, history and economy. So our research is centered on subjects specific to the area.

Did you do any of your training abroad?
Yes, at the Laboratorium voor Biochemie, Faculteit van de Wetenschappen, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Belgium and Uppsala University Sweden.