The Organ Crosstalk in Metabolic Diseased Group investigates how metabolic alterations associated with obesity disrupt inter-organ communication and promote cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. We study stress kinases, mitochondrial dysfunction, circadian disruption and endocrine signals derived from adipose tissue, liver and muscle. Using multi-omics approaches in plasma, mouse models and human cohorts, we identify circulating proteins and metabolites that function as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our goal is to understand how metabolic imbalance drives tumour initiation and progression, and to develop strategies that restore systemic metabolic homeostasis.
The alteration of adipose tissue and, consequently, the secretion of adipokines. We have observed that during obesity, stress kinases are activated within adipose tissue, mitochondria become dysfunctional, and the circadian clock is altered. Our aim is to discover how these factors trigger adipose tissue dysfunction and its associated comorbidities. The primary focus of our investigation lies in unravelling the endocrine function of adipose tissue, with particular attention to the distinctive role of brown adipose tissue in thermogenesis.
The onset of chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. We aim to comprehend how stress kinases and metabolic alterations within inflammatory cells impact cancer development.
Cell metabolism alteration as a driver of disease. Metabolism controls the functionality of cells in our body, as it is their mean of obtaining ATP to carry out their functions or, in the case of tumours, to proliferate. Therefore, as alterations in cellular metabolism can serve as drivers of diseases, the modulation of metabolism offers new therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. By manipulating the metabolism of animal models, we aim to understand how it affects the development of such diseases.
The role of exercise in disease prevention and progression. We are also studying how exercise can positively impact health, not only in metabolic diseases but also in cancer. The group investigates how exercise affects cellular processes, such as the activation of myokines, which may play a role in inhibiting tumour growth and improving metabolic health.