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IBEC researchers Benedetta Bolognesi, Xavier Fernàndez Busquets and Xavier Trepat have been selected in the CaixaResearch 2024 call to lead their own research projects. The grants will provide financial support for the scientists to carry out their research in key areas such as cancer, malaria and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has studied the migratory movement of groups of cells using light control. The results show that there is no leader cell that directs the collective movement, as previously thought, but that all cells participate in the process. These findings are relevant to the design of treatments to stop tumour invasion or accelerate wound healing, physiological processes closely linked to cell migration.
An IBEC-led study has demonstrated the ability of colorectal cancer stem cells to change their mechanical properties, facilitating the successful metastatic process. They did this using tumour organoids derived from patient cells. These findings could contribute to the development of new strategies to treat and prevent metastasis in colorectal cancer.
The prize recognises the research work of Trepat, ICREA Research Professor at IBEC. These awards, presented by the Valencian Foundation Rei Jaume I Awards, aim to bring science and business closer together in order to promote research, scientific development and entrepreneurship in Spain.
IBEC ICREA Professor Xavier Trepat has been awarded the Lilly Foundation Award in the category of preclinical research. With this accolade, the Fundación Lilly acknowledges Trepat’s work, distinguished by the application of techniques and concepts from physics to the health sciences.
