Translational research in psychiatry: pitfalls and opportunities for career development.

Abstract

Translational research is at the forefront of contemporary biomedical science. As immense progress has been made in basic research, the challenge is now to translate fundamental discoveries from the arena of pure science to the reality of health care, leading to better preventive approaches, more refined and successful treatments, and improved health. The translational approach is self-evident in the field of oncology. One can study cancerous cells in cultures, use animal models that develop cancer spontaneously, induce cancer by chemicals or radiation, and transfer human tumors to animals. Using those models, the tools of molecular biology can contribute to elucidate the mechanisms of neoplastic transformation as well as local and distant tumor growth and suppression. Once fundamental mechanisms are better understood and new insights are gained into diagnosis and treatment, those can then be translated to clinical investigation.