Nicolas Pineault
PhD
Senior development scientist
Other Titles/Affiliations:
Adjunct professor, Faculty of Medicine Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ottawa
Research areas
- blood stem cell biology
- cellular therapies
- hematopoiesis
- cryobiology
- culture optimization
Related Links
Brief biography
After the completion of a BSc at Laval University (1995), Dr. Pineault joined the Genetics Department of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver where his graduate studies focused on defining the role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis (2001). Afterwards, he characterized the role of NUP98-HOX fusion genes in the development of acute myeloid leukemia during a post-doctoral fellowship at the Terry Fox Laboratory. In 2004, he joined Héma-Québec’s Cell Engineering department (2004-2012) as a Scientist. There, Dr. Pineault oversaw the optimization of processes for the production of platelets in culture and established a new stem cell-based cell therapy research program. In 2012, Dr. Pineault joined Canadian Blood Services and the University of Ottawa where he continues his research and provides support to the Stem Cell Manufacturing department. Dr. Pineault is a past NBF Scholar and supports the training of trainees from undergraduate students to post-doctoral fellows.
Research interests
Dr. Nicolas Pineault’s long-term research interest has focused on hematopoiesis, the process by which billions of blood and immune cells are produced daily in our body from hematopoietic stem cells. This impressive feat is possible due to two keys properties that define all stem cells, self-renewal and differentiation. Through these, stem cells can maintain or expand their numbers, or produce any blood lineages as needed. These properties are also the foundation of their powerful regenerative potential through stem cell transplantation which is used to cure over 30 diseases.
Dr. Pineault’s laboratory activities include: (1) the development of culture platforms to maintain and expand human hematopoietic stem cells, (2) use of transplantation models to define the impact of culture on stem cell properties, (3) investigation of new cryoprotectants for hematopoietic cells and, (4) translation of the lab’s discoveries to new opportunities such as gene-editing and stem cell processing.
Other appointments
- Ambassador, Centre for commercialization of regenerative medicine, 2020–present.
- Judge for IgNITE program promoting research for high school students and undergraduate students, 2020–2022.
- Scientific reviewer, Cord Blood for Research Program, Canadian Blood Services Research Ethics Board, 2018–present.
- External reviewer for national and international grant agencies (CFI, Mitacs, NSERC, NHS and others), 2020–present.
- FRQNT MSc Scholarship review committee member, 2015–2018.
- Adjunct professor, Université Laval, 2005–2013.
Awards
- National Blood Foundation Scholar, 2009–2011
- Berlex Canadian Research Awards, 2000, 2003
- American Society Hematology Travel Awards, 2000, 2002, 2003
- NSERC PhD Scholarships, 1995–1999
- NSERC Summer Scholarship, 1994