Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia

Ibec Seminar. Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
2026-01-30 09:30 - 10:30 (Europe/Madrid) | Baobab room, Floor 11, Tower 1
Next-generation organoid models for colorectal cancer research
Francisco Lorenzo-Martín, University of Salamanca

Three-dimensional organoid culture technologies have revolutionized cancer research by allowing for more realistic and scalable reproductions of tumor structures. This has enabled better modelling of low-complexity cancer cell behaviors that occur over short periods of time. However, the currently available organoid systems lack the requisite multi-cellular diversity, tissue-level organization, biological durability, and experimental flexibility that are needed to capture complex oncological processes. Consequently, the study of many multifactorial cancer mechanisms is still not possible in vitro and instead requires the extensive use of animal models, which provide limited spatiotemporal resolution of cellular dynamics and come at a substantial ethical cost. To overcome these limitations, we have implemented tissue engineering and microfabrication technologies to develop topobiologically complex ex vivo cancer avatars. Focusing on colorectal cancer, we have generated miniature tissues consisting of long-lived gut-shaped colon epithelia (‘mini-colons’) that are able to undergo tumorigenesis in vitro and stably integrate cancer cells with their native tumor microenvironment. This system provides an unprecedented repertoire of experimental possibilities, which we illustrate through diverse applications. Altogether, these next-generation organoid models push the boundaries of ex vivo cancer research.

Ibec Seminar. Fidel Lolo Romero and Miguel Angel del Pozo
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Baobab room, Floor 11, Tower 1
Decoding the Mechanics of Brain Endothelium: CAV1-Dependent Invaginations as modulators of neurovascular coupling
Fidel Lolo Romero
Endothelial cells of the brain vasculature are continuously exposed to mechanical forces that regulate essential functions including endocytosis, barrier integrity, and neurovascular coupling (NVC). Plasma membrane (PM) tension serves as a critical mechanotransductive cue, and specialized PM invaginations—such as caveolae—buffer abrupt mechanical stress in arteriolar endothelial cells, where shear forces and blood flow are high. Notably, capillary endothelial cells, which experience lower mechanical load, lack morphologically detectable caveolae yet express Caveolin-1 (CAV1), the principal structural component of caveolae. Recent findings from our lab (Lolo et al., Nat. Cell Biol. 2023) have identified a novel class of CAV1-dependent invaginations, termed dolines, which form independently of caveolae and respond to subtle shifts in PM tension—suggesting a new mechanoadaptive role for CAV1 in capillaries. Building on this discovery, our research aims to dissect the distribution, regulation, and functional implications of CAV1-based structures across the cerebrovascular network. We combine advanced in vitro systems with in vivo behavioral analyses to: (i) map the spatial distribution of dolines and other CAV1-dependent structures across the brain endothelium; (ii) investigate how lipid composition modulates their biogenesis and stability; (iii) determine how phosphorylation at tyrosine-14 (Y14)—a key post-translational modification of CAV1—affects membrane tension sensing and nanoparticle internalization; (iv) evaluate how neuronal activity dynamically regulates CAV1 structures during neurovascular signaling; and (v) assess the downstream behavioral consequences of modulating these mechanosensitive pathways in animal models. We will present preliminary findings elucidating the role of endothelial CAV1 in neurovascular coupling, providing new insights that may advance our understanding of complex brain functions such as memory consolidation.

4th edition EMBL-IBEC Conference Egineering Multicellular Systems
2026-03-11 08:00 - 2026-03-13 17:00 | PRBB (Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona), Ramon y Cajal Room
EMBL and IBEC aim to contribute to the discussion on challenges and opportunities in the expanding field of engineered multicellular systems.
Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology, organ-on-chip assays, 3D bioprinting, and cell mechanobiology have revolutionized our ability to design and assemble multicellular living systems, from organoids to embryos.
This biennial series will focus on how engineering such systems is advancing our understanding of tissue and organ function, with applications in disease modeling, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.
To register click here

Ibec Seminar. Prof. Kara Spiller
2026-04-17 11:00 | Baobab room, Floor 11, Tower 1
Engineering Macrophages with Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
Kara L. Spiller, PhD, URBN Professor of Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The inflammatory response, orchestrated primarily by macrophages, plays a major role in the body’s response to injury, disease, or implantation of a biomaterial. When macrophages function normally, they are a powerful force that promote tissue repair and regeneration, but when their behavior goes awry, healing is impaired. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms by which the inflammatory response orchestrates successful tissue regeneration and to develop novel biomaterial strategies that apply these principles to situations in which tissue regeneration is impaired. In particular, we study macrophages in inflammation, phagocytosis, cellular recruitment, vascularization, cell proliferation, tissue deposition, or remodeling, and we design biomaterials that leverage these findings for improved biomaterials design, enhanced macrophage cell therapy, and personalized medicine. Current projects in the lab are directed towards treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and chronic wound healing through biomaterial-enabled macrophage cell therapies.
Dr. Kara Spiller is the URBN Endowed Professor of Biomedical Innovation in Drexel University’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems. Her research focuses on the role of immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration and the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials. Her research is funded by the NIH, the NSF, private foundations, and industry. Her awards include a Fulbright fellowship, the NSF CAREER award, and the United States Dept. of State ASPIRE prize. She has published more than 85 publications in biomaterials and immune engineering, and has 18 issued or pending patents. She is the founding director of the Immune Modulation & Engineering Symposium series in Philadelphia, which is the only annually recurring meeting dedicated to convergent research in translational immunology and engineering. She serves on the board of numerous journals and is a frequent NIH study section member.
