Per Uhlen, a prominent researcher and professor at the Karolinska Institutet, has transformed his life’s challenges into a pioneering career in scientific research. At the age of fourteen, Uhlen suffered a spinal cord injury that left him wheelchair-bound. His remarkable journey from adversity to achievement has led him to compete in two Paralympic Games and establish himself as a leader in the field of medical biochemistry and biophysics.
Reflecting on his childhood, Uhlen recalls a harrowing accident that changed the course of his life. While riding a light motorcycle illegally, he crashed into a ditch and remained there all night until discovered by a dachshund and its owner. The injury he sustained resulted in a long rehabilitation process, during which he missed much of his secondary education. Despite these setbacks, Uhlen persevered, enrolling in an adult education program and eventually gaining acceptance into the KTH Royal Institute of Technology to study engineering physics.
Uhlen describes his time at KTH as stressful, marked by rigorous coursework and constant exams. “When I started my doctoral studies, I thought it was the height of luxury. I had all the time in the world to delve deeper into my research,” he notes. His unique background in physics allowed him to approach medical questions with fresh perspectives, making him a valuable asset at the Karolinska Institutet.
One of Uhlen’s significant contributions to science is in the field of microscopy. His research team recently published a groundbreaking study in the prestigious journal Science, introducing a novel method for three-dimensional visualization of RNA expression in mouse brains. The ability to image RNA in intact tissue is a significant advancement, as Uhlen emphasizes, “We live in a three-dimensional world. Why not study it in three dimensions?” Although this method is not yet standard in clinical practice, Uhlen believes it holds promise for future applications in medical research.
Uhlen’s research extends to understanding the genetic factors influencing autism. His team is investigating the CACNA1C gene, known to increase the risk of autism when mutated. By studying brain development in mice with and without this mutation, they aim to uncover the mechanisms that may lead to autism. “Our method is well suited to investigating this development and hopefully can provide greater insight into the causes of autism,” he explains.
In addition to autism research, Uhlen’s team is focused on improving cancer diagnostics. They have explored bladder cancer tumor cells, recognizing the critical need for accurate assessments of treatment options. “If the tumor has spread to surrounding muscle tissue, the entire bladder needs to be removed. Our three-dimensional imaging method showed promise in improving the accuracy of such assessments,” he states, although he acknowledges the need for larger studies.
Uhlen’s work also includes efforts to detect cancer stem cells in breast cancer, a challenging task due to their dormant nature during chemotherapy. “If you examine tissue two-dimensionally, you can easily miss them,” he warns. His innovative approach could enable a more comprehensive examination of cancer cells, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Uhlen’s personal experience with spinal cord injury drives his interest in preventing similar disabilities. He is currently investigating the inflammatory processes that occur immediately after spinal cord injuries in mice and zebrafish. “My aim is to halt this destructive process at an early stage and save as much function as possible after the injury,” he says, highlighting the importance of preserving mobility.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Uhlen remains optimistic. He actively participates in wheelchair basketball and played in the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta and the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney. “As a researcher, it is my brain and practical mindset that I compete with. I have only ever been met with respect in the scientific community,” he reflects.
Uhlen’s accomplishments are not solely professional; he draws inspiration from his family. His father, a mathematics and physics teacher, instilled a love for science in him. “He inspired my scientific interest by showing me many exciting experiments,” Uhlen recalls.
In addition to his research, Uhlen has innovated practical solutions for those with disabilities, such as designing a bathroom scale for wheelchair users that has sold over 200 units. He encourages young researchers to embrace exploration in their work, stating, “You should not be afraid to try different experiments—it can lead to interesting discoveries.”
At 56, Uhlen continues to break boundaries in scientific research, driven by a motto that resonates with his life story: “Fall seven times, get up eight.” His journey from a life-changing accident to becoming a leading figure in medical research serves as a testament to resilience and determination.
