Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia https://ibecbarcelona.eu/ Bioengineering solutions for health Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:25:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cropped-ibec_favicon-32x32.jpg Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia https://ibecbarcelona.eu/ 32 32 Predoctoral researcher at the Molecular Bionics Research group in Liquid Phase TEM imaging of misfolded proteins.(Phd_LR) https://ibecbarcelona.eu/predoctoral-researcher-at-the-molecular-bionics-research-group-in-liquid-phase-tem-imaging-of-misfolded-proteins/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:24:06 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=116021 Ref: PhD_LR // Deadline: 31/03/2024

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Introduction to the vacant position:

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body Parkinson’s, and others, is a growing health concern worldwide. These conditions are often associated with the accumulation and aggregation of neurotoxic proteins amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein in the brain, leading to brain damage. Understanding the structural characteristics of such proteins is essential to understanding these diseases at the molecular level. To investigate protein structure, aggregation dynamics and liquid-liquid phase separations, this project will use advanced TEM imaging in Liquid Phase. The research focuses on proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, combining molecular dynamics simulations and liquid TEM imaging. Additionally, the project explores the effect of current drugs and aggregation inhibitors on the structure of these proteins in liquid environments. This information is critical for developing new drugs.

This interdisciplinary approach brings together imaging science, physics, molecular engineering, and computational science and has the potential to create create innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia. We welcome individuals willing to combine experimental imaging with computational efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Molecular Bionics group, a dynamic multidisciplinary team comprising chemists, physicists, mathematicians, engineers, and biologists. To learn more about our work, please visit our external website at https://www.molecularbionics.org.

Main tasks and responsibilities of the successful candidate will be:

  • Protein structure characterisation by standard methods
  • Protein imaging by solid state and Liquid Phase TEM.
  • Design and implementation of novel imaging protocols for proteins in Liquid Phase TEM
  • Image analysis
  • Molecular modelling simulations
  • Coding experiences, particularly in handling deep learning and other machine learning techniques.
  • Handling of soft materials and polymers.
  • To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed journals.

Requirements for candidates:

Essential:

  • Grade & MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Bio-Physics, or Bioengineering, any field directly related to the tasks described above.
  • Good skills in communication, teamwork, proactivity, commitment, integrity, time management, critical and analytical thinking, precision and focus.
  • Willingness to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment.
  • High level of English (both oral and written).

Desirable

  • Prior computational skills for image analysis
  • Previous experience handling soft nanomaterials and proteins
  • Previous experience in Python coding
  • Previous experience in data analysis and science.

We Offer:

  • Number of available positions: 1
  • Starting date: 16/04/2024
  • IBEC ensures equality of access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status, length at IBEC or other factors. The IBEC’s yearly training catalogue offers a wide range of training in technical and transferable skills. 
  • High-quality international scientific environment.
  • Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at IBEC and additional support is provided for foreigners to obtain Visa-working permit and to install in Barcelona.

How to apply:

Until 31/03/2024 an online application form is available through IBEC dedicated site: https://careers.ibecbarcelona.eu/  

Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.

Reference: (Phd_LR)

If you have any further question regarding your application, please contact us at jobs@ibecbarcelona.eu

Principles of the selection process:

IBEC is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit based Recruitment principles (OTM-R) https://ibecbarcelona.eu/careers-at-ibec/jobs/

IBEC´s Commitment on equal opportunity:

Our strength and excellence as an international transdisciplinary Research Institute are based on diversity.  Being an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, so that we support employees irrespective of their gender, nationality, religion, disabilities, age, sexual identity or cultural and socioeconomic background.”

IBEC actively looks for female candidates for Senior positions ensuring that at least 40% of shortlisted applicants invited to interview have to be women with comparable level of CVs as the male candidates. At the end of the evaluation process, in case of equal merit, priority will be given to female candidates.

For candidates with children that come from outside Barcelona, we offer babysitting services during the interview, so you don’t have to worry about anything else than doing a good interview. Contact us if you are interested in this service.  

IBEC, as a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), will consider,  especially for early-stage investigators, much more the scientific content of research outputs, than publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which it were published.

Protection of personal data:

IBEC ensures that applicants’ personal data are processed as required by EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Spanish Law 3/2018 on Data Protection.

Personal data shall thus be processed solely for the purpose of the selection procedure.

Who we are?

The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC is an interdisciplinary research center focused on Bioengineering and Nanomedicine based in Barcelona. IBEC is one of the top research institutions named as a Severo Ochoa Research Centre by Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (in charge of research and innovation policy in Spain), which recognizes excellence at the highest international level in terms of research, training, human resources, outreach and technology transfer.

IBEC’s mission is to develop international high quality interdisciplinary research that, while creating knowledge, contributes to making a better quality of life, improving health and creating wealth. A close link with key universities, reference hospitals and corporations, are assets that facilitate achieving the mission.

IBEC was established in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Autonomous Government of Catalonia), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). IBEC is located within theBarcelona Science Park and is managing an annual budget of 12M€ and 3.800 square meters facilities, 22 research groups and a team of researchers and support services of 300 people from 30 different countries.  www.ibecbarcelona.eu

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IBEC and ICMS reunite once more at their Annual Collaborative Symposium https://ibecbarcelona.eu/ibec-and-icms-reunite-once-more-at-their-annual-collaborative-symposium/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:30:41 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115993 Today, on March 14th, the joint ICMS-IBEC symposium took place. This event was co-organized by IBEC and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Throughout the conference, researchers from both IBEC and ICMS presented their areas of research, aiming to enhance the scientific collaboration between the two institutions.

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Today, on March 14th, the joint ICMS-IBEC symposium took place. This event was co-organized by IBEC and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Throughout the conference, researchers from both IBEC and ICMS presented their areas of research, aiming to enhance the scientific collaboration between the two institutions.

Pere Roca-Cusachs (left) and Giuseppe Battaglia (right), Principal Investigators at IBEC.

Today, on March 14th, the joint ICMS-IBEC symposium was held, an event co-organized by IBEC and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), which took place this year on the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

This initiative reflects an alliance that has been strengthened over more than 4 years, focusing on three key aspects: the exchange of opinions, the exchange of people between the two centers, and collaborative scientific projects. Samuel Sánchez, IBEC’s Principal Investigator, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that “We are very happy to have a face-to-face meeting again to activate the alliance and reactivate synergies.”

We are very happy to have a face-to-face meeting again to activate the alliance and reactivate synergies.

Samuel Sánchez

During the conference, researchers from IBEC and ICMS shared their areas of research, seeking to strengthen scientific ties between the two institutions.

Pere Roca-Cusachs, from IBEC, addressed the transmission and protection of mechanical forces from integrins to the nucleus. Carlijn Bouten from ICMS explored targeting cardiovascular regeneration in situ with microenvironmental signals. Giuseppe Battaglia, also from IBEC, discussed the design of supramolecular medicines. Jan van Hest, from ICMS, presented polymer-based coacervates: structural and functional imitations of living cells.

The day continued with Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger, from IBEC, who addressed the development of synthetic phagocytic cells to combat bacteria. Roy van der Meel of ICMS focused on nanotechnology engineering of platforms for delivering RNA to immune cells. Finally, Ghislaine Vantomme, from ICMS, explored the synthesis of supramolecular polymeric materials and the interaction between covalent and non-covalent bonds.

Additionally, Samuel Sánchez will participate tomorrow, March 15th, in the ICMS Annual Symposium, where he will present his research on the application of nanorobot swarms in the biomedical field.

This joint symposium not only showcases cutting-edge scientific knowledge but also demonstrates the ongoing commitment to research collaboration.

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Laboratory Technician at the Smart Nano-Bio-Devices Research Group (Ref: LT_SS) https://ibecbarcelona.eu/laboratory-technician-at-the-smart-nano-bio-devices-research-group-ref-lt_ss-3/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:12:09 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115976 Ref: LT_SS // Deadline: 20/03/2024

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Introduction to the vacant position:

The Smart Nano-Bio-Devices Group is looking for a Laboratory Technician to develop scientific support to the research activities of the group dealing with the use of nanoparticles, nanosystems, nanomotors and 3D bioprinted robots in bioengineering, biotechnological and biomedical applications.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

  • Synthesis of micro- and nanoparticles (inorganic and organic) and support in the synthesis to group members.
  • Support on projects related to 3D printing.
  • Maintenance of the analytical and characterization tools, being responsible for some equipment based on candidate’s skills.
  • Support on the sample preparation and characterization by microscopy techniques such as SEM and TEM.
  • Lab organization, ordering of reagents and equipment in coordination with other technicians and the Group Leader.
  • Introduction to the new members of the lab facilities and the lab rules. Managing the group’s equipment reservation calendars. Train new users in the use of equipment and lab procedures.
  • Responsible for the on-boarding and check-out of group members.
  • Management of the group’s lab spaces and computers.
  • Contact person between the researchers and distributors, maintenance, security, secretary and other IBEC departments such as: IT, Core Facilities, Health & Safety, Finances and Communications.
  • Responsible for lab safety.

Requirements for candidates:

Essential:

  • Degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology, nanomaterials, chemistry biomedical engineering, or similar.
  • Knowledge in synthesis of particles, microfabrication and characterization techniques.
  • Competencies and skills: Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, Critical and Analytical thinking. Problem solving skills and organizational skills in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • High level of English

Advantageous:

  • Experience as a Lab Technician supporting group members in international labs.
  • Experience in 3D printing.
  • Experience in soft lithography or microfluidics.
  • Experience in fluorescent microscopy
  • Experience in characterization techniques such as SEM and TEM.

We Offer:

  • Number of available positions: 1
  • Starting date: April 16th 2024
  • Working conditions:
    • Full time,Temporary contract for 1 year
    • Measures to reconcile work and family life (maternity and paternity leave, flexible schedule working hours, 23 working days of paid holidays, 9 leave days for personal matters, among others).
  • IBEC ensures equality of access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status, length at IBEC or other factors. The IBEC’s yearly training catalogue offers a wide range of training in technical and transferable skills including mobility grants and a Mentoring programme for predoctral and postdoctoral researchers.
  • Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high-quality international scientific environment.
  • Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at IBEC and additional support is provided for foreigners to obtain Visa-working permit and to install in Barcelona.

How to apply:

Until 20th of March an online application form is available through IBEC dedicated site: https://careers.ibecbarcelona.eu/  

Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.

Reference: LT_SS

If you have any further question regarding your application, please contact us at jobs@ibecbarcelona.eu

Principles of the selection process:

IBEC is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit based Recruitment principles (OTM-R) https://ibecbarcelona.eu/careers-at-ibec/jobs/

IBEC´s Commitment on equal opportunity:

Our strength and excellence as an international transdisciplinary Research Institute are based on diversity.  Being an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, so that we support employees irrespective of their gender, nationality, religion, disabilities, age, sexual identity or cultural and socioeconomic background.”

IBEC actively looks for female candidates for Senior positions ensuring that at least 40% of shortlisted applicants invited to interview have to be women with comparable level of CVs as the male candidates. At the end of the evaluation process, in case of equal merit, priority will be given to female candidates.

For candidates with children that come from outside Barcelona, we offer babysitting services during the interview, so you don’t have to worry about anything else than doing a good interview. Contact us if you are interested in this service.  

IBEC, as a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), will consider,  especially for early-stage investigators, much more the scientific content of research outputs, than publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which it were published.

Protection of personal data:

IBEC guarantees that candidates’ personal data are processed in accordance with the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Law 3/2018 on Data Protection.

Personal data will be processed solely for the purposes of the selection process.

Who we are?

The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC is an interdisciplinary research center focused on Bioengineering and Nanomedicine based in Barcelona. IBEC is one of the top research institutions named as a Severo Ochoa Research Centre by the Ministry of Science, Universities and Innovation, which recognizes excellence at the highest international level in terms of research, training, human resources, outreach and technology transfer.

IBEC’s mission is to develop international high-quality interdisciplinary research that, while creating knowledge, contributes to making a better quality of life, improving health and creating wealth. A close link with key universities, reference hospitals and corporations, are assets that facilitate achieving the mission.

IBEC was established in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Autonomous Government of Catalonia), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC).

IBEC is located within the Barcelona Science Park and is managing 3.800 square meters facilities, with an annual budget of 22 Mio€; 4.150 square meters of facilities; 21 research groups and a team of researchers and support services of 400 people from 35 different countries.  www.ibecbarcelona.eu

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IBEC and AEFAT join forces against ataxia telangiectasia https://ibecbarcelona.eu/ibec-and-aefat-join-forces-against-ataxia-telangiectasia/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:46:11 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115933 Today, the event "Advances in Ataxia Telangiectasia" took place, organized by the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) in collaboration with AEFAT, the Spanish ataxia-telangiectasia family association. The gathering brought together patients' families, researchers, and clinicians to explore the latest advancements in the clinical management of ataxia telangiectasia.

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Today, the event “Advances in Ataxia Telangiectasia” took place, organized by the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) in collaboration with AEFAT, the Spanish ataxia-telangiectasia family association. The gathering brought together patients’ families, researchers, and clinicians to explore the latest advancements in the research and the clinical management of ataxia telangiectasia.

The event “Advances in Ataxia Telangiectasia” took place today, organized by the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) in collaboration with AEFAT, the Spanish ataxia-telangiectasia family association, which brings together families affected by ataxia telangiectasia (AT) in Spain, a rare disease that affects at least 40 children and young people in the country.

The meeting, held at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB), gathered patients’ families, researchers, and clinicians with the aim of informing about the research projects recently awarded by AEFAT. It provided a space for reflection to delve into the latest advances in the clinical management of ataxia telangiectasia.

IBEC is committed to collaborating with patients through patient associations to be able to study different rare diseases.

Teresa Sanchis

The day began with a small aperitif and a welcome to the attendees by Teresa Sanchis, Head of Strategy at IBEC, who gave an overview of the research carried out at the center and the initiatives to communicate it to society. “IBEC is committed to collaborating with patients through patient associations to be able to study different rare diseases,” said Sanchis.

Next, it was the turn of Núria Montserrat Pulido, who played a key role as a link between IBEC and AEFAT, leading the organization of the conference. Her position as a principal investigator at IBEC and beneficiary of one of the research projects funded by AEFAT has been the basis of this collaboration. The Montserrat project, entitled “Modelling Ataxia Telangiectasia pathogenesis and therapeutics using human pluripotent stem cells and genetic engineering,” aims to develop organoids from patients’ cells that allow gene editing processes to be tested for different mutations and create a platform for drug testing.

When this project ends, our goal is to make the tools developed available to others, allowing them to use and improve them.

Núria Montserrat

In the words of Núria Montserrat: “When this project ends, our goal is to make the tools developed available to others, allowing them to use and improve them. Our goal is to contribute to the constant progress in research into ataxia telangiectasia and similar diseases, ensuring that the information obtained is available to patient associations.”

The conference continued with the intervention of other researchers who presented the work they carry out within the research projects of AEFAT. Among them are Marc Güell, Principal Investigator of the Translational Synthetic Biology group at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), and Roberto Bilbao, scientific director of the Basque Biobank, Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research (Bioef).

The event was also attended by Jordi Surrallés, director of the Research Institute of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, and Alejandra Darling, pediatric neurologist at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, who provided the clinical vision.

Finally, the day concluded with the emotional testimonials from some of those present, sharing their personal stories with ataxia telangiectasia and expressing gratitude for the research work carried out. After the closing ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to visit the IBEC facilities to learn about the laboratories where Núria Montserrat’s project will be conducted.

This event exemplifies IBEC’s commitment to working closely with patient associations, promoting research projects focused on their real needs. This comprehensive approach not only strengthens the connection between scientific research and the affected community but also creates a valuable context for the development of innovative solutions and effective therapies.

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#08/03/24 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/08-03-24/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:24:38 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115928 As part of my research, I’ve only just started reading “Reflections on Gender and Science” and my heart is beating faster. In 9 essays Evelyn Fox Keller examines how the ... Read more

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As part of my research, I’ve only just started reading “Reflections on Gender and Science” and my heart is beating faster.

In 9 essays Evelyn Fox Keller examines how the making of men and women has affected the making of science. Her point of view has nothing to do with scientific relativism, but with an analytical approach to science as a “deeply personal as well as a social activity.” Even though the book was written 40 years ago, I think it is anything but outdated.

The essays in this book are premised on the recognition that both gender and science are socially constructed categories. Science is the name we give to a set of practices and a body of knowledge delineated by a community, not simply defined by the exigencies of logical proof and experimental verification. Similarly, masculine and feminine are categories defined by a culture, not by biological necessity. Women, men, and science are created, together, out of a complex dynamic interwoven cognitive, emotional, and social forces. The focus of these essays is on that dynamic and the ways it supports both the historic conjunction of science and masculinity, and the equally historic disjunction between science and femininity. My subject, therefore, is not women per se, or even women and science: it is the making of men, women, and science, more precisely, how the making of men and women has affected the making of science.


You can find honouring articles of Keller´s work both in Science as well in Nature ❤️
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4472
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03819-4

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Aránzazu Villasante receives a grant from the Spanish Association Against Cancer to study neuroblastoma https://ibecbarcelona.eu/aranzazu-villasante-receives-a-grant-from-the-spanish-association-against-cancer-to-study-neuroblastoma/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:30:00 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115876 The project focuses on developing a chip that will serve as a model for testing new drugs to treat neuroblastoma, a childhood brain cancer. The research has received €200,000 in funding and is led by Aránzazu Villasante, Senior Researcher at IBEC.

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The project focuses on developing a chip that will serve as a model for testing new drugs to treat neuroblastoma, a childhood brain cancer. The research has received €200,000 in funding and is led by Aránzazu Villasante, Senior Researcher at IBEC.

Aránzazu Villasante, in the IBEC laboratories.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer has awarded a Research Grant to Aránzazu Villasante, Senior Researcher in IBEC’s Nanobioengineering group, led by Josep Samitier. Villasante’s project, which has received €200,000 in funding, focuses on neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer with the ability to spread and metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the bones. The research team will develop a model of neuroblastoma bone metastasis on a chip to serve as a testing ground for new drugs to treat this rare cancer type.

“The device helps us simulate how cancer behaves in a controlled environment that mimics the metastasis process in patients. It includes neuroblastoma cells, bone tissue, and blood and lymphatic vessels through which neuroblastoma cells can travel to the bone and metastasize,” explains Aránzazu Villasante, the project leader.

Event for the delivery of Grants from the Spanish Association Against Cancer 2023 in Barcelona. / Credit: AECC

The Association Against Cancer in Barcelona held an event today to present the 2023 Research Grants that will be developed in the province. In total, the Association Against Cancer is contributing €29.4 million in 233 grants throughout Spain, 44 of which will be developed in Barcelona. The goal is to increase the average survival rate of people with cancer to 70% by 2030 and translate research results into patient benefits. This funding aims to promote the talent and innovation of researchers and contribute to turning cancer research projects into realities that improve the lives of patients.

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@ beautyinscience February 23th https://ibecbarcelona.eu/beautyinscience-february-23th/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 10:04:32 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115782 Last week I showed a teaser of my video. Far from being finished, it was meant to share a current state of my work and to get into the mood ... Read more

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Last week I showed a teaser of my video. Far from being finished, it was meant to share a current state of my work and to get into the mood ~

The event was organzed by @beautyinsciencebcn (follow on instagram)

Please pay attention to how much my video accidentally matched the windows <3

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#cell_culture&一═デ︻ ρσѕтнυмαηιѕм ︻デ═一. https://ibecbarcelona.eu/cell_culture%e4%b8%80%e2%95%90%e3%83%87%ef%b8%bb-%cf%81%cf%83%d1%95%d1%82%d0%bd%cf%85%d0%bc%ce%b1%ce%b7%ce%b9%d1%95%d0%bc-%ef%b8%bb%e3%83%87%e2%95%90%e4%b8%80/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:42:21 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115776 My initial interest was in the historical and fictional exploration of the techniques made possible by working in cell culture lab. The possibility of cultivating living matter outside the body, ... Read more

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My initial interest was in the historical and fictional exploration of the techniques made possible by working in cell culture lab. The possibility of cultivating living matter outside the body, modifying and combining it with the material of other species has, in my opinion, an impact on the concept of the human.
That´s why I am concerned with concepts of 一═デ︻ ρσѕтнυмαηιѕм ︻デ═一. Among other aspects, posthuman reflections care about a new understanding of subjectivity, which entails ethical reassessments of [non]human activities & intersections.

Our environment has become extremely complex as a result of (not only, but decisively) 一═デ︻ тє¢нησѕ¢ιєη¢є ︻デ═一. Contemporary technologies are bustingthe idea of a coherent, exclusively human body or mind. Additionally, advanced capitalism reinforces this tendency because it has an enormous interest in commercialising bodies, parts of bodies or data from bodies.

As a result, we find ourselves very connected to other forms of being through the advancement of knowledge and technology. On the other hand, these connections make it even more possible to exploit all kinds of living matter. In my work, I deal with bodies and materialites that are caught in precisely this field of tension.

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Soluciones innovadoras de salud en el 4YFN del MWC https://ibecbarcelona.eu/soluciones-innovadoras-de-salud-en-el-4yfn-del-mwc/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:34:52 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115741 LA VANGUARDIA

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IBEC and ISGlobal scientists develop an innovative compound effective against malaria and leishmaniasis https://ibecbarcelona.eu/ibec-and-isglobal-scientists-develop-an-innovative-compound-effective-against-malaria-and-leishmaniasis/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:26:39 +0000 https://ibecbarcelona.eu/?p=115725 A study led by IBEC and ISGlobal has demonstrated the antileishmanial potential of an antimalarial compound. Initially designed for malaria, this drug shows high efficacy against leishmaniasis, representing a unique and promising breakthrough for the treatment of both infections.

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A study led by IBEC and ISGlobal has demonstrated the antileishmanial potential of an antimalarial compound. Initially designed for malaria, this drug shows high efficacy against leishmaniasis, representing a unique and promising breakthrough for the treatment of both infections.

From left to right: Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Lucía Román-Álamo and Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets (IBEC – ISGlobal)

Leishmaniasis, a disease that affects between 700,000 and 1 million people worldwide annually, is particularly prevalent in disadvantaged populations. Transmitted by parasites of the genus Leishmania through the bite of the Phlebotomus sandfly, cutaneous and visceral forms of the disease are endemic in Europe, with 80% of skin cases concentrated in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Current drugs to treat this disease face challenges such as resistance, toxicity, and high costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic agents with innovative approaches to address these difficulties.

In this context, a team led by IBEC’s Nanomalaria research group and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has explored an innovative approach to treating leishmaniasis based on recent findings in malaria.

Surprisingly, YAT2150 turned out to be very effective against leishmaniasis as well, putting us in a unique position, since both diseases are the main causes of parasite-induced mortality in humans.

Xavier Fernàndez Busquets

The research, published in the scientific journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, focuses on the in vitro action of the compound YAT2150, originally designed as a potent antimalarial drug. “As part of a previous project focused on improving the efficacy of known drugs against malaria through encapsulation, the idea arose to test the compound YAT2150. Surprisingly, it turned out to be very effective against leishmaniasis as well, putting us in a unique position, since both diseases are the main causes of parasite-induced mortality in humans,” explains Xavier Fernàndez Busquets, leader of the study and principal investigator at IBEC-ISGlobal.

The results of the study suggest that YAT2150 could act by inhibiting protein aggregation in Leishmania cells, the same mode of action that has already been observed in the malaria parasite. This ability to act effectively against both Plasmodium and Leishmania positions YAT2150 as a promising candidate for the treatment of co-infections of both parasites.

The team is currently working to move on to the next phase of research, which involves testing the drug in mouse models of leishmaniasis — a crucial step towards the development of an innovative treatment.

The Power of Encapsulation

The work also addresses the effects of encapsulating the drug within liposomes. This strategy not only expands its therapeutic window, enhancing its lethality against the parasite and reducing toxicity to the rest of the cells but also allows the drug to be directed specifically to the areas of the body of interest.

We have found some drugs derived from YAT2150 that show selectivity rates for the malaria parasite of 1,000, 2,000, or even 3,000. These are very promising results.

Lucía Román-Álamo

On the other hand, a key indicator to know the specificity of action of a drug is the selectivity index: “For a drug to be considered to reach development phases and clinical trials, its selectivity index must be greater than 100. In our case, we have found some drugs derived from YAT2150 that show selectivity rates for the malaria parasite of 1,000, 2,000, or even 3,000. These are very promising results,” says Lucía Román-Álamo, a PhD student in the Nanomalaria group and the first author of the study.

The work has also had the collaboration of Diego Muñoz-Torrero’s research group at the Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), which was responsible for the development of the family of drugs derived from the mother molecule YAT2150.


Referenced article:

Lucía Román-Álamo, Yunuen Avalos-Padilla, Inés Bouzón-Arnáiz, Valentín Iglesias, Jorge Fernández-Lajo, Juan M. Monteiro, Luis Rivas, SHOW ALL (15 AUTHORS), Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets. Effect of the aggregated protein dye YAT2150 on Leishmania parasite viability. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2024). DOI: 10.1128/aac.01127-23


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