Marta María Martínez Júlvez
Centre: Dpto. Bioquímica y Biologia Molecular y Celular
Institution: Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza (Spain)
Position: Researcher from the University of Zaragoza
E-mail: mmartine@unizar.es
Phone: 976 762841
Profile: Ver
Personal statement
I am Marta Mª Martínez Júlvez, graduated in Chemical Sciences, specialized in Organic Chemistry, from the University of Zaragoza, and PhD in Sciences (Biochemistry) from the same institution, with a thesis focused on redox proteins involved in photosynthesis. During this stage, I did a research stay at the University of Arizona (Tucson, USA). Afterwards, I specialized in the X-ray crystallography technique applied to the study of macromolecules during a postdoctoral stay at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg (Germany) between 1999 and 2001.
Since 2003 I am part of the Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), and I combine my research work with teaching at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Zaragoza, where I am currently a professor in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. My incorporation to BIFI coincided with the promotion of the line of structural studies of proteins by X-ray diffraction, in which I have actively contributed, participating in the management and implementation of the necessary equipment.
Between 2015 and 2018 I was scientific secretary of the Institute’s Governing Team, and since 2019 I am part of the management team, coordinating scientific and outreach activities. In addition, I co-direct together with Dr. Patricia Ferreira the research group “Flavoenzymes: Mechanisms of Action and Biotechnology”, belonging to the Biophysics area.
Researcher profile identity
I am a senior researcher and my line of research focuses on the study, at the molecular level, of biological processes in flavoenzyme-dependent systems, essential for the viability of diverse bacteria -including pathogenic species-, as well as for the transformation of metabolites and energy production. These enzyme systems have a high potential both as biocatalysts in biotechnological applications and in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The flavoproteins I study come from microorganisms of special interest, such as cyanobacteria -photosynthetic organisms capable of fixing nitrogen- and various pathogenic bacteria that affect both animals and plants. My research focuses on the identification and functional characterization of key flavoproteins in these organisms, by analyzing their function through kinetic and structural studies. For this purpose, I use advanced biophysical techniques and also X-ray crystallography, which allows the determination of their three-dimensional structures at atomic resolution, as well as those of their complexes with substrates and inhibitors.
Why my research is important
Flavoproteins present in cyanobacteria play an essential role in photosynthesis, a key process for life on Earth. Understanding in detail how electron transfer occurs during the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy provides key information on catalytic mechanisms involved in essential biological processes.
On the other hand, the identification and study of flavoproteins in pathogenic microorganisms opens up possibilities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. These proteins, crucial for pathogen survival, represent attractive targets for the rational design of inhibitors. Detailed knowledge of their structure allows progress in the development of more effective antimicrobial compounds, an urgent need in view of the global increase in resistance to current treatments.
In addition, certain flavoenzymes stand out for their potential use as biocatalysts to accelerate reactions for the synthesis of products of high industrial value. Their application in bioreactors offers a promising approach towards a cleaner and more sustainable chemistry.
Know more about me and my research here
– https://bioquimica.unizar.es/personal/marta-maria-martinez-julvez
– https://bifi.es/es/biofisica/
– https://bifi.es/es/team/marta-maria-martinez-julvez/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-mart%C3%ADnez-j%C3%BAlvez-b7879533/?originalSubdomain=es
