Abstract
This memoriam is written in tribute to Professor Laurentiu M. Popescu of Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest Romania, whose sudden passing on August 3rd, 2015 constituted an enormous loss to the scientific community and to his wide circle of admirers worldwide. All who knew this great man believe he will be recognized in the future as one of the giants of biomedical science, whose brilliant insight into processes whereby tissue homeostasis may be maintained and replenished established a broad-based research initiative in regenerative medicine with potential for a dramatically positive impact on the human condition. His scientific contributions aside, Prof. Popescu was a great friend, mentor, and deeply caring human being. If there is a Heaven, he is there.
The most recent landmark accomplishment that Prof. Popescu's team is best known for is the discovery of specialized cells known as telocytes, which exist as very fine, filamentous structures at or below the limit of resolution for most light microscopy analyses. Some very elegant strategies for detecting and characterizing these cells, devised by the Popescu group, used advanced electron microscopy techniques and related image processing, allowing three-dimensional reconstructions of tissue architecture, which, with subsequent integration of computer graphics, enabled identification of telocytes as a unique species of cell, vital for coordination of the activities of component cells of a tissue. As a visionary, Prof. Popescu understood the importance of sharing his ideas with worldwide scientists, developing new common research groups. One of the most valuable outcomes of this remarkable work has been to provide clear insight as to how pharmacological manipulation of telocyte function may greatly enhance stability of the stem cell niche to allow better engraftment of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) species following therapeutic treatment with MSCs. This is a rapidly evolving and hugely valuable field, mastery of which is essential for optimizing the full value of stem cell technology in a wide range of clinical venues. He was tormented by his ideas and ideals until the last week of his life, working with enthusiasm for his new project—the book Telocytes: Connecting Cells—that will soon see the light of day to honor his memory.
We and his other colleagues and collaborators also consider ourselves very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate as authors and reviewers for Journal of Cell and Molecular Medicine (JCMM), which Prof. Popescu founded, and under his direction as Editor-In-Chief has evolved into a high-impact world-class scientific journal that provides a forum for dynamic and riveting exploration of cutting-edge advances in translational medicine, particularly in the realm of regenerative medicine. JCMM was his first great pursuit followed by a second one, telocyte research, achievements of which he was proud, as a Romanian citizen.
Prof. Popescu's scientific career stands as a testament to the triumph of intellect and moral courage in the face of the intensely challenging environment of Romania during the 1960s, a time period in which life was harsh and opportunities for professional advancement were severely constrained by the social/political milieu. Prof. Popescu entered a highly competitive physician training program in 1961 and graduated as class valedictorian in 1967 with an M.D. from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Leiden, subsequently being awarded a Fogarty International Fellowship and appointment to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, through 1981.
His subsequent work as a tireless, intensely compassionate and dedicated educator and research scientist in Romania served as an inspiration to his peers and students, who have used his example to great benefit to medical science. As a consequence of his sustained dedication to excellence, Prof. Popescu exemplifies the highest standards of scientific leadership. His pioneering spirit has energized the institutions in which he has been affiliated and each has made use of his talents to drive their programs forward into the 21st century. His appointments include directorship of the Romanian National Institute of Pathology, President of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, President of the Federation of the European Academies of Medicine, President-elect of the International society for Adaptive Medicine, and a diverse range of other positions that enabled him to add great value to the respective institutions which he led.
It was a great honor to write a tribute to this great scientist and teacher. He was a loyal friend, trusted colleague, and inspirational example to us and to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.