New Technologies Applied to the Study of Biological Nanomachines
(R&D Programs in Technology. Reference: S2018 / NMT-4443)

1. Instrumental development and new methodologies in molecular mechanobiology.

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Development of new technologies for manipulating individual molecules in order to study at the molecular level how the force, in combination with other variables, affects the activity of proteins involved in repair processes, DNA maintenance and organization.

2. Instrumental development in cellular mechanobiology.

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The mechanical properties of cells are emerging biomarkers of the cellular state. In order to measure accurately, systematic and automated these properties, the development of new strategies is necessary.

3. New methodologies in molecular mechanobiology.

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The forces that determine the conformation or interactions of a protein can be modulated by post-translational modifications, changes in the chemical environment or, even, due to intrinsic structural changes. To characterize these determining factors, we need the development of new methodologies at the molecular level.

4. New methodologies in cellular and tissue mechanobiology.

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Here we develop various complementary methodologies on cell mechanics: rheology and deformability.

5. New technologies for the study of telomere maintenance.

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Telomeres are structures that protect the ends of chromosomes and their incorrect homeostasis establishes a causal relationship with cell aging and cancer.. Several macromolecular complexes are involved in its maintenance, this goal aim to focus on molecular characterization, structural and functional of the CST complex (CTC1-STN1-TEN1).

6. New technologies for DNA repair study.

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Defects in DNA damage repair systems are responsible for tumor development. Thus, proteins involved in DNA repair are good candidates for the development of new therapies. One of the main repair systems is that of “non-homologous end junction (NHEJ)”, of which a third component has recently been discovered: LINP1, that appears overexpressed in triple negative breast cancers. This objective aims to provide a comprehensive vision (structural, molecular and dynamic) the role of LINP1 in the NHEJ repair system.

7. Study of atherosclerosis as a mechanical disease.

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We will explore in depth the molecular and ultrastructural characteristics of areas prone to atherosclerosis (ZPA) and we will characterize its mechanotransducer mechanisms. These studies will provide new concepts for better prevention., determine the origin of individual variability in the development of the disease, develop new diagnostic evaluation tools and explore new therapeutic pathways.

8. Emerging mechanical properties of proteins as triggers for cardiomyopathies

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Most of the mutations that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MCH) affect sarcomere genes, the contractile mechanical unit of cardiomyocytes. Mutations in the MYBPC3 gene are behind half of HCM cases. Here, We will tackle a multiscale and interdisciplinary study of the mechanisms by which mutations in this gene lead to the development of HCM..

Most recent publications:

Seminars of the National Center for Biotechnology

Seminars, CNIC conferences and courses

ICMM seminars and events

CNIO seminars and events