Biosketch CIB-CSIC

For almost 20 years I have investigated the development of new diagnostic methods and vaccines in animal viruses, first at the CBM (CSIC), then at MIT (USA) and later as Research Director at the biotechnology company INGENASA. This research resulted in a high number of European projects, publications, patents and products. In 2001, I joined the CNIO as Director of the Biotechnology Program, starting new lines of research in colorectal cancer that included the development of recombinant antibodies and biomarker discovery. In 2006, I promoted the creation of the technologybased company Protein Alternatives SL, which is still active today. In October 2008, I moved to the CIB Margarita Salas (CSIC) as principal investigator (PI) of the laboratory of “Mechanisms of cancer metastasis”. In the last 14 years, I have consolidated a solid experience in in the identification and development of new therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. Our group has identified a large number of proteins relevant in metastatic progression. We have thoroughly characterized the functionality of many of these proteins including cadherin 17 (CDH17), IL13Rα2, PAUF/ZG16B and SOSTDC1 in CRC metastasis (see selected publications). Indeed, our group has developed new therapeutic strategies based on these targets. Therapeutic antibodies against the RGD motif of cadherin 17 and the binding motif of IL13/IL13Rα2 as well as peptides derived from IL13Rα2 have been developed and patented. These patents have been licensed or are in the licensing process. Currently, our main lines of research are focused on:

  • The in-depth characterization of novel metastatic mediators.
  • Characterization of epithelial plasticity, stemness and drug resistance.
  • Metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer metastasis, using a multidisciplinary approach.

To support this cancer research, I have been uninterruptedly funded by the National Plan since 2003, the AECC (2011-2015), the Community of Madrid and the Areces Foundation (2017-2019), among others. The PI has been a member of the Spanish proteomic platform ProteoRed. Our technological transfer activities have been also funded by different national and international Programs as well as by R&D research contracts with several companies.

.