IBEC Seminar: Carlo A. Bortolotti
2018-03-20 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Madrid) | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Monitoring biorecognition with organic bioelectronic transistors
Carlo A. Bortolotti, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Universita di Modena ed Regio Emilia, Italy
Electrolyte-gated OFETs (EGOFETs) and Organic Electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are emerging as an important class of chemo- and biosensors to meet the main requirements of healthcare diagnostics: portability, manufacturing with low cost, miniaturization, low-temperature processing. These devices can be operated either in accumulation (EGOFETs) or in depletion mode (OECTs). Devices that allow transduction of protein/protein interactions can be used not only for analytical purposes, but also for real time monitoring of surface adsorption and recognition events, and may therefore provide insights into both the kinetics and thermodynamics of biomolecular interactions. These devices provide a real-time, label-free response and the ultra-low sensitivity arising from the capacitive coupling between the electrolyte solution and the channel. We are currently investigating a wide range of biorecognition events, differing in terms of size of the surface bound biomolecule and of the chemical nature and lateral dimensions of the biological partner in solution, ranging from receptor/ligand interactions to antibody/antigene (protein) and antibody/virus couples. I will present a few examples of the EGOFET-based and OECT-based detection of detection of biorecognition events. Different surface functionalization strategies, aiming at reducing non-specific binding, increasing sensitivity and ensuring re-usability of the electrodes with immobilized sensing units will be described. I will also present our latest achievements in the development of a multigate lab-on-a-chip device, aiming at the multiplexed detection of different analytes in a biological fluid, also including an internal reference electrode.

PhD Discussions Sessions: Andreu Matamoros and Maider Badiola
2018-03-23 10:00 - 11:00 | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Role of the Cellular Prion Protein in hippocampal neurotransmission, learning and memory
Andreu Matamoros, Molecular and cellular neurobiotechnology
MisfoldedCellular Prion protein (PrPC) was described as the causative agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), independently of its origin (sporadic, iatrogenic or genetic). PrPC is present at the synaptic terminal, especially in the cerebral cortex including the hippocampus. It is involved in numerous cellular processes: cell proliferation and differentiation, copper homeostasis and cell signaling, among others. Recently has been demonstrated that most of these functions are based in misinterpretation of the mice models and need to be reevaluated. On the other hand, PrPC protein levels are decreased in TSEs. This opened a new insight in the study of TSEs: understanding the pathology not just as a gain of function due to the prion aggregation, but as a loss of function due to the reduction of PrPC.
Our goal is to elucidate the role of PrPC in hippocampal circuitry and its derived functions (i.e. learning and memory) using a new PrPC knockout mice (ZH3). Spontaneous firing and network formation are monitored with Calcium imaging in hippocampus primary cultures. Object Recognition Test and Skinner’s Test are performed to evaluate memory and learning in ZH3 mice. LTP and evocated potentials are also measured in CA3-CA1 connection in vivo. Glutamate neurotransmission is evaluated behaviourally and electrophysiologycally using kainate administration. Finally, mRNA from ZH3 mice hippocampus has been sequenced to identify differential gene expression compared to Wt mice.
Dissecting the role of PrPC in hippocampus neurotransmission will allow us to better understand alterations in the brain of TSEs patients.

Paving the way towards an in-vitro 3D mechanosensory-motor circuit on a chip
Maider Badiola, Nanobioengineering
Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are neurological disorders affecting muscles and their control through nervous system. They often involve afferent and efferent pathways of the Peripheral Nervous System, and their effects might be reflected in the mechanosensory-motor circuit at different cellular levels (including sensory and motor neurons, glia and muscle dysfunctions), and in the connexion among them.
The aim of this research is to create an in-vitro model to mimic the 3D microenvironment of a neural circuit for locomotion to understand and find treatments for NMDs. To that end, organ-on-a-chip technologies are used for the integration of sensorial and motor neural components together with a functional muscular unit.
For that purpose, we first fabricated a compartmentalised microfluidic device in PDMS using soft lithography techniques. Then the afferent and efferent pathways of the Peripheral Nervous System were mimicked in 2D culturing primary neurons involved in the locomotion circuit (motoneurons and dorsal root ganglia) with Schwann cells in the microdevice.
But 2D cultures offer many limitations compared to 3D, and the assessment of the afferent pathway separately often means a complication. Optogenetics technique can be used in skeletal muscle to induce contraction, mimicking a natural innervation to some length and facilitating the study of the afferent pathway separately. Therefore, we propose a study model where primary spinal motor- or dorsal root ganglia sensory- neurons are cultured in 3D in different compartments together with optogenetically sensitive myocytes (a channelrhodopsin-2 positive cell line). This could make possible to evaluate the functionality of efferent and afferent pathways separately.
This study provides the basis for future steps towards NMD in-vitro study models.

IBEC Seminar: Aurélien Bancaud
2018-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
µLAS technology for DNA processing: setting up elementary functions (concentration, separation, purification, identification) and application in oncology and targeted sequencing
Aurélien Bancaud, LAAS-CNRS, Toulouse, France
We recently developed the µLAS technology for nucleic acids processing. Its operating principle relies on the monitoring of DNA transport in a viscoelastic liquid under the combined action of hydrodynamic and electrophoretic forces (1). DNA molecules are dragged toward the walls of microchannels by a transverse force proportional to their contour length. Because the hydrodynamic decreases near the wall, DNA molecules are sorted according to their molecular weight. Furthermore, by tailoring the geometry of a channel with a constriction, we can tune the amplitude of transverse forces and stop molecules to design a concentrator that achieves enrichment rates of 100 to 1000 fold per minute.
We will derive a quantitative model of DNA transport in µLAS that relies on 1 fitting parameter and perform rational optimizations of the technology. We will then exploit µLAS for sizing cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA) in the blood (2), and demonstrate that cfDNA profiling is a promissing biomarker for the follow-up of cancer patients. Finally, we will present the principle of a DNA size-selective valve for the purification and sequencing of target genomic regions by combining µLAS with Cas9 endonuclease.
(1) Ranchon et al., Lab Chip (2016)
(2) Andriamanampisoa et al., Anal Chem (2018)

IBEC Seminar: Fernando López-Gallego
2018-04-04 12:00 - 13:00 | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Immobilization of multi-enzyme systems; an avenue to fabricate self-sufficient heterogeneous biocatalysts
Fernando López-Gallego, Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Lab, University of Zaragoza (iQSCH-CSIC) / ARAID, Science Foundation of Aragón
In the last decade, the chemists have been delighted by the catalytic orchestration found in vivo, and have isolated multi-enzyme system to work ex-vivo in both natural and non-natural tandem reactions creating a new concept: systems biocatalysis. These systems are the pioneers of the cell-free synthetic biology; an emerging discipline that seeks the simplest biology to make the most complex chemistry. We have paid our attention to the heterogenization of multi-enzyme system to catalyze tandem reactions. Co-immobilization of multi-enzyme systems improve: 1) the kinetics of the chemical cascades due to the spatial localization of the different biocatalytic modules that avoids intermediate accumulation and increases cofactor recycling efficiency, 2) the stability of the biocatalysts due to both structural rigidification and in situ elimination of toxic by-products, 3) the biocatalyst recycle and 4) the biocatalyst adaptation to continuous processes. Nevertheless, the co-immobilization of several enzymes to carry out synthetic cascades is challenging because there is no a universal immobilization chemistry that optimally attaches all the enzymes to the same surface. We have recently developed different immobilized multi-enzyme systems formed by a 3-enzyme cascade for oxidizing phenol derivatives with in situ H2O2 supply, a 3-enzyme cascade for synthesizing 1,3-dihydroxyacetone with both in situ cofactor recycling and H2O2 elimination, a 4-enzyme cascade for quantitatively synthesizing pro-chiral ketones starting from racemic esters and a 2-enzyme cascades to synthesize optically pure secondary alcohols integrating the cofactor recycling in the solid-phase. The optimal design of the immobilization protocols enables co-immobilizing several enzymes and cofactors on the porous carrier to optimize their spatial localization across the carrier microstructure and preserve both global activity and stability of the multi-enzyme systems.

Leadership in Action
2018-04-11 - 2018-04-13
Every organisation needs great leadership. Dynamic and purposeful leaders can literally change the world. In academia the very best leaders are self-aware, skilful communicators with excellent people skills. This course is designed to develop leadership skills for postdocs and focusses on identifying and honing everyone’ personal leadership style. It will bring leadership to all aspects of your personal and professional life.
Dates:
From 11th to 13th April
Residential course at:
Montserrat Hotel & Training Center
Collbató (35 min. from BCN)
Target Group:
Early postdocs. 1st and 2nd year Postdoctoral researchers.
54 places in total for all BIST centres.

Fira de Recerca en Directe 2018
2018-04-11 10:00 - 2018-04-14 15:00 | CosmoCaixa Barcelona, Carrer d'Isaac Newton, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Posa’t a la pell d’un científic!
De l’11 al 14 d’abril i en el marc de la 16a edició de la Fira Recerca en Directe –organitzada pel Parc Científic de Barcelona i Obra Social “la Caixa”– més de 75 investigadors d’onze centres capdavanters de Catalunya traslladaran els seus laboratoris a CosmoCaixa Barcelona per convidar als ciutadans a participar en els seus projectes de recerca i resoldre enigmes tot seguint el mètode científic.
Enguany l’IBEC participa amb l’activitat: La mecànica cel·lular, la membrana de més a prop.

Els participants coneixeran com s’adapta la membrana cel·lular als estímuls del seu entorn acompanyats dels investigadors del grup de Mecanobiologia Cel·lular i Molecular i Dinàmica Integrativa de Cèl·lules i Teixits de l’IBEC.
La Xarxa Quiroga, el Carlos Pérez, l’Ariadna Marín i el Macià Esteve us explicaran quins són els mecanismes que utilitzen les cèl·lules per detectar i respondre a estímuls mecànics i com les forces i el control molecular cooperen per aconseguir que els teixits duguin a terme la seva funció biològica.
ACTIVITAT: 16a edició de la Fira Recerca en Directe
LLOC: CosmoCaixa Barcelona · Carrer d’Isaac Newton, 26 · 08022 Barcelona
DIES: Escoles: De l’11 al 13 d’abril (Entrada gratuïta prèvia reserva).
Públic general: Dissabte 14 d’abril (Visita inclosa amb l’entrada de CosmoCaixa Barcelona).
HORARI: De l’11 al 13 d’abril: de 10.00 h a 15.00 h
Dissabte 14 d’abril: de 10.00 h a 14.00 h / A les 12.00 h: Activitat conduïda per Francesc Orella (Protagonista de la sèrie Merlí).
Aforament limitat. Reserves: 934 031 134 / difusiociencia@pcb.ub.cat

hPSCs training course
2018-04-12 09:00 - 2018-04-13 15:00 | IBEC, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
Reprogramming, Differentiation and Molecular Genetics
This two-day course comprises lectures and practical hands-on workshops run by specialized trainers from academia and industry. The course will provide an overview of reprogramming techniques, molecular genetics (including CRISPR/Cas9 and hPSCs), differentiation, and organoid derivation. It will be of particular interest to PhD students and postdoctoral fellows aiming to work or already trained in the field of hPSCs.
Register: http://events.ibecbarcelona.eu/hPSCs-training-course/

IBEC Seminar: Joan Seoane
2018-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Intratumor heterogeneity in brain cancer
Joan Seoane, Group Leader / Director of Translational Research at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
Joan Seoane is a Group Leader and Director of the Translational Research program at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) within the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital since 2011.
In 1998, Joan obtained his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Barcelona. Previously, in 1993, he obtained his BSc degree in Chemistry. Joan joined the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York as a post-doctoral fellow in 1998.
From 1998 to 2001, he worked as a Research Fellow and subsequently, from 2001 to 2003, as a Research Associate. He was appointed ICREA Research Professor in 2004 and joined VHIO.
In 2007, he became a member of the EMBO Young Investigator program and the recipient of a European Research Council (ERC) grant in 2008. Later, he obtained two ERC Proof of Concept grants (2011, 2013). In 2008, he became Board member of the European Association of Cancer Research (EACR) and Professor of the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
In 2012, founded Mosaic Biomedicals as a spin-off company from his lab and, in 2013, he was the recipient of the Dr. Josef Steiner Award. In 2016, he became Secretary General of the EACR.

International PhD Programme interviews
2018-04-18 08:00 - 2018-04-19 17:00 | PCB, Baldiri Reixa 4-8, 10-12, 15-21, Barcelona, Spain
In 2018, four fellowships will be funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness through the ‘Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores’ 2018 call. Three additional fellowships will be funded by IBEC through the Severo Ochoa Excellence Award (IBEC Severo Ochoa Fellowship), Fundación Bancaria La Caixa and Fundación Cellex.
April 18th-19th 2018: Interviews in Barcelona with selection committee and group leaders responsible for research projects.
April 27th 2018: Publication of final list of selected candidates. Letter of acceptance to be signed by candidates.
May-October 2018: Start of the fellowships funded by Fundación Bancaria La Caixa and Fundación Cellex, to be agreed with the Group Leader responsible.
Beginning of 2019 (To be confirmed, based on the resolution of the call ‘Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores’ by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitivity): Start of the rest of the fellowships.
http://ibecbarcelona.eu/phd/IIPPfellowships

International PhD Programme interviews
2018-04-18 08:00 - 2018-04-19 17:00 | PCB, Baldiri Reixa 4-8, 10-12, 15-21, Barcelona, Spain
In 2018, four fellowships will be funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness through the ‘Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores’ 2018 call. Three additional fellowships will be funded by IBEC through the Severo Ochoa Excellence Award (IBEC Severo Ochoa Fellowship), Fundación Bancaria La Caixa and Fundación Cellex.
April 18th-19th 2018: Interviews in Barcelona with selection committee and group leaders responsible for research projects.
April 27th 2018: Publication of final list of selected candidates. Letter of acceptance to be signed by candidates.
May-October 2018: Start of the fellowships funded by Fundación Bancaria La Caixa and Fundación Cellex, to be agreed with the Group Leader responsible.
Beginning of 2019 (To be confirmed, based on the resolution of the call ‘Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores’ by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitivity): Start of the rest of the fellowships.
https://ibecbarcelona.eu/phd/IIPPfellowships

IBEC Seminar: (David) Dagan Feng
2018-04-20 10:00 - 11:00 | IBEC, floor 11, Tower I, Baldiri Reixac 4-8, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Biomedical Engineering and Technology Research at USYD and beyond
(David) Dagan Feng, PhD, FACS, FATSE, FHKIE, FIEEE, & FIET
Recent advances in engineering, information technology and imaging have revolutionized biotechnology, biomedical research and healthcare. This talk will initially focus on some of his core theories and enabling techniques research in molecular imaging for E-Healthcare and its impact to clinical practice, in particular in cancer and metabolic diseases. This talk will then give an overview of the Biomedical Engineering and Technology research at the University of Sydney and beyond, in particular several University new initiatives and the USYD-SJTU Joint Research Alliance.
