An Enduring Dream of Science: Q&A with Vincent Prevot, PhD

When he was only 16, Vincent Prevot, PhD, became the youngest member of the French Society of Herpetology. Endocrine News finds out how a teen’s fascination with snakes gradually evolved into a passion for neuroendocrinology that resulted in being the recipient of the Endocrine Society’s 2024 Edwin B. Astwood Award for Outstanding Research in Basic Science.

It all started with snakes! For Vincent Prevot, PhD, a childhood love of zoology soon grew into a fascination with the lives of snakes and their reproductive cycles. And at age 16, Prevot became the youngest ever member of the French Society of Herpetology. It was there where his passion for science and discovery was cemented, and his intrigue with reproduction has never waned.

The Endocrine Society has bestowed Prevot with the 2024 Edwin B. Astwood Award for Outstanding Research in Basic Science for his significant contributions to the field of mammalian reproduction. He is a research director at Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), and laboratory head of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain at Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, France. His research into neuronal and glial plasticity in the GnRH system is crucial for understanding the onset of puberty and adult fertility.

Endocrine News recently asked Prevot about the research goals he’s set for the next five years and more about how a love for reptiles led to where he is today.

Endocrine News: The Laureate award is named in honor of the late Dr. Edwin Astwood, who’s known for his contributions to the treatment of hyperthyroidism. What did news of the recognition mean to you? 

Vincent Prevot: The news of this recognition is truly humbling and inspiring. I’m also very grateful to the European Society of Endocrinology for proposing my candidacy for the Edwin Astwood Award at the Endocrine Society. The Laureate Award holds particular significance for me. Dr. Astwood’s pioneering contributions to hyperthyroidism treatment have laid a strong foundation in endocrinology. As someone working in neuroendocrinology with a focus on the hypothalamus, this acknowledgment underscores the interconnectedness of our work within the broader endocrine field. It motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in neuroendocrinology, contributing to the collective progress of understanding the intricate mechanisms that govern hormonal regulation. This is especially crucial in the context of body-to-brain communication in health and disease, as well as the putative involvement of neurohormones in higher brain function.

“[The Laureate Award] motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in neuroendocrinology, contributing to the collective progress of understanding the intricate mechanisms that govern hormonal regulation. This is especially crucial in the context of body-to-brain communication in health and disease, as well as the putative involvement of neurohormones in higher brain function.”

Endocrine News: Your current work focuses on the brain circuits that control reproduction and metabolism. Can you share your research goals for the next five years?

Prevot: Over the next five years, our research goals center around leveraging our expertise in neuroendocrinology and basic science to address critical aspects of human pathophysiology. We aim to deepen our understanding of the interactions between hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems and peripheral hormones, particularly their role in postnatal brain development. Recognizing the potential consequences of impairments in this interplay, we intend to investigate how such disruptions may contribute to major neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Furthermore, our short-term objectives involve exploring the link between central neurohormone imbalances and the pathophysiology of cognitive processes, including early-onset dementias. We also plan to investigate their connection to metabolic and reproductive disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and infertility. By unraveling these intricate relationships, we aspire to contribute valuable insights that could lead to the development of innovative diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients facing these complex health challenges. Our overarching goal is to translate our knowledge into tangible advancements that can positively impact clinical outcomes in the near future.

Endocrine News: How many young researchers make up your laboratory team? What has been the most rewarding part of making discoveries with them? 

Prevot: The most rewarding aspect of making discoveries with our diverse team of young researchers is the collaborative journey itself. We work closely with emerging talents from a multitude of international horizons, including Chile, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, North Africa, and Spain, as well as French nationals. This eclectic mix of backgrounds, encompassing both medical and basic science expertise, adds a unique flavor to our collaborative efforts.

Furthermore, our lab has become a hub for knowledge exchange, attracting researchers from various parts of Europe who visit for short periods to learn the specialized techniques and approaches that we have mastered. It’s fulfilling to witness this cross-cultural exchange as we share our expertise, allowing these visiting researchers to transfer valuable skills and insights back to their own labs. This dynamic collaboration not only contributes to the success of our projects but also fosters a vibrant learning environment.

To underscore the impact of our collaborative efforts, it is particularly gratifying to note that several of our former PhD students and postdocs have gone on to establish their own research groups in prestigious institutions across Europe, including France, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. This achievement is akin to receiving one of the greatest awards in our field, as it speaks to the enduring legacy of our lab and the significant contributions of our team members to the scientific community on an international scale.

“The most rewarding aspect of making discoveries with our diverse team of young researchers is the collaborative journey itself. We work closely with emerging talents from a multitude of international horizons … . This eclectic mix of backgrounds, encompassing both medical and basic science expertise, adds a unique flavor to our collaborative efforts.”

Our work is supported by the transformative funding scheme of the European Union via the European Research Council (ERC) Synergy grant. This grant has enabled us to establish a unique collaboration with the labs of Markus Schwaninger at the University of Lubeck in Germany and Ruben Nogueiras at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Under this grant, we function as a single laboratory, breaking down geographical barriers and enhancing our collective ability to make groundbreaking discoveries. This synergy not only amplifies the impact of our research but also serves as a model for effective international collaboration within the scientific community.

Endocrine News: Do you recall what sparked your early curiosity in science?

Prevot: From an early age, my ambition to become a scientist was crystal clear — it was my enduring dream. A deep passion for zoology steered me toward the fascinating realm of the intricate ecophysiology of snakes, where I explored their captivating life and reproductive cycles. At the age of 16, I achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest member of the French Society of Herpetology. This extraordinary experience served as a gateway, seamlessly connecting the academic and amateur worlds. Immersing myself in the intricacies of breeding reptiles in captivity, I encountered the scientific approach, unraveling the complexities of reproduction, metabolism, and the profound influence of environmental factors such as light and temperature on these processes. This pivotal experience not only provided insights into the world of reptilian physiology but also ignited a lifelong curiosity for scientific exploration.

—Fauntleroy Shaw is a freelance writer based in Carmel, Ind. She is a regular contributor to Endocrine News.