Ruth Rodriguez
Researcher at Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gynecologic Cancer Group, Oncobell Program.
University of Barcelona
Loss-of-function screenings based in the interference of RNA have been successfully used in the last decade to identify new therapeutic targets. The use of shRNA pooled libraries allowed to individually investigate the phenotype associated to the individual silencing of genes at a genome wide scale. The integration of whole genome shRNA screenings with sequencing data led to a new classification of breast cancer based in their vulnerabilities. Recently, the availability and simplicity of the design of strong gRNAs, has enhanced the use of CRISPR libraries in the search for cancer cell weaknesses. Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas screens have already identified essential genes in various cell lines, uncovered genes related to response to small-molecule inhibitors and to sensitivity to cellular toxins.
Using a shRNA library against the entire human genome we described that the JAK/STAT3 pathway is activated and essential for HER2 + breast tumors. Activation of this pathway further leads to an increase in the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 that promote the proliferation of tumor cells. The use of specific inhibitors of the JAK/STAT3/S100A9 pathway reduces the growth of tumors and represents an alternative for the treatment of patients with HER2+ tumors that do not respond to current treatments.
We have recently set up the conditions to generate custom CRISPR libraries and created the first CRISPR KO library against all the protein glycosylation-related genes. Thanks to this newly generated tool we aim to find new and more efficient targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
Short bio
Ruth Rodriguez studied Biochemistry in the Autonomous University of Barcelona and obtained her PhD in Biology in the Cancer Research Center in Salamanca. In 2010, she joined Dr. Silva laboratory at the Columbia University, NY, USA, and later in the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY, USA, where she started using pooled genetic screens to find new targets for the treatment of breast cancer. After six years of postdoctoral experience, she moved to Newcastle University, UK, where she was awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship to standardize the conditions to generate custom CRISPR libraries. In April 2018, she joined the University of Barcelona as a Ramon y Cajal Researcher to continue her research in cancer.
Hosted by:
Ramon Salazar
Group Leader of the Colorectal Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, IDIBELL
![1 [SCItalk] Manuel Portero-Otín: Lipidomics applied to biomarker search in neurodegeneration @ Aula 109](https://idibell.cat/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/mp-o.jpg)
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol
Metabolomics is the study of small molecules or metabolites. Metabolites are the result of cellular metabolism and are easy to correlate with the phenotype, defining both physiological and pathological situations. Lipids are key players in cellular (pato)physiology, and their implication in neurodegeneration conditions is underscored by the high abundance of lipids in the central nervous system, as well as its high complexity. The application of metabolomics to the study of lipids, so-called lipidomics, offers opportunities for novel venues for the study of neurodegeneration, ranging from pre-clinical studies to the analyses of clinical samples. As an example, here we will discuss some findings applying lipidomic analyses to the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In line with published evidences on the loss of homeostasis in lipid membrane trafficking in selected familial ALS patients, we have obtained data demonstrating that lipid components of selected subcellular locations (e.g., nuclear envelope) are altered in ALS samples. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses show that several lipids could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this devastating disease. Although several limitations arise, the data demonstrate that lipidomic analyses could be useful for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases, especially when coupled to multidisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Manuel Portero-Otín, Scientific Coordinator of the Pathophysiology Group, is a doctor and PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lleida (1997). He specialized in Somatic Aging, Endocrine Physiopathology and Physiology. He was awarded different Postdoctoral scholarships at the CWRU (Cleveland, OH, USA), U Essex (Colchester, UK), INSERM (Toulouse, France), and Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA); and received support from EMBO, FEBS, Fulbright Commission and the EASD. He has been Vice-Dean-Chief of Studies for 7 years, University Professor and co-director of the Technology Center NUTREN, recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya in the TECNIO Transfer Network, in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of Lleida (UdL). He is currently the scientific deputy director of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), accredited by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII). He has authored more than 170 international publications, having participated in more than 50 basic and applied research projects. At the same time he serves as a reviewer for several academic journals, such as J Biol Chem, Carbohydrate Res, Diabetologia, Biochimie; in addition to having participated in project evaluation processes in various national and international agencies. He is Academic Editor of PLOS ONE. He is also coordinator of the doctorate program accredited by the UdL Physical Activity and Health, also participating in the management and delivery of courses of Master of Health Research. He has directed a total of 11 doctoral theses with international distinction. He is founder of the biotechnology company DMD, S.L.; and inventor of two licensed patents.
Host: Aurora Pujol