UCAM has consolidated the 'Izpisúa Belmonte' Molecular Biology Laboratory, a reference space where several research groups work in a coordinated way to understand how cells work and transform this knowledge into solutions that contribute to solving society's major challenges, in its high technology incubator UCAM HiTech. Silvia Montoro (PI Preclinical 'Bioactive Compounds and Drugs’ Research Group), Rubén Zapata and Rubén Rabadán (PIs 'Metabolism and Gene Regulation' Research Group), Ana Hurtado ('Genetics, Molecular Pathology and Rare Diseases’ Research Group) and Adriana Ordóñez (Ramón y Cajal contract) lead the UCAM Laboratory's research teams and demonstrate the institution's commitment to the return of young talent to the Region.

Researchers combine state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques with the use of advanced cell cultures. These methodologies, which include gene editing and cell reprogramming tools, are applied in areas such as precision medicine, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to prevent hereditary diseases, slow the onset or progression of pathologies associated with ageing or design personalised therapies for different types of cancer.

UCAM researchers work with precision medicine to individualise treatments

The results obtained in recent years reflect the impact of its research: progress has been made in the development of personalised treatments for colon cancer, in the creation of a model of human muscle fibres that facilitates research into rare diseases, and in the identification of new molecules with the potential to promote cellular rejuvenation and protect against diseases associated with the passage of time (such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases). In addition, cellular mechanisms involved in pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes are investigated, and natural compounds and drugs with potential therapeutic applications are analysed.

LINES OF RESEARCH

• Silvia Montoro: Assesses the biological activity and therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds and drugs in both in vitro and in vivo systems.
• Rubén Rabadán: Develops molecular regulatory mechanisms and gene editing applications to understand and treat ageing and its pathologies.
• Rubén Zapata: Works on new strategies with NAD+ precursors to improve cellular health and prevent age-related diseases.
• Ana Hurtado: Investigates the influence of certain genes on the onset and evolution of different types of tumours.
• Adriana Ordóñez: Studies the cellular mechanisms associated with protein folding in certain diseases using CRISPR-Cas9.