Gema Merino Loma

Centre: BIFI
Institution: University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza (Spain)
Position: PhD Student
E-mail: 765302@unizar.es
Phone: 976762889
Profile:   Ver

Personal statement
I studied Biotechnology at the University of Zaragoza, spending one year abroad (ERASMUS) in the Molecular Medicine program at Trinity College (Dublin). I conducted my Bachelor’s Thesis at BIFI, in the group of Nunilo Cremades, investigating the amyloid aggregation of alpha-synuclein. Afterwards, I was hired through an INVESTIGO grant in the “Clinical Diagnostics and Drug Delivery” group at BIFI, led by Olga Abián. In 2025, I have started my PhD thesis, focused on the search for new therapies for neuroblastoma based on the specific inhibition of CMYC and NMYC proteins; in this same institute under the direction of Adrián Velázquez and Olga Abián.

Researcher profile identity
Currently, I am an R1 researcher. As a PhD student, my work is focused on the search for new molecular therapies against neuroblastoma. Specifically, through the study of the partially disordered proteins CMYC and NMYC. The aim of my research is to find small molecules to inhibit the nuclear translocation of these two transcription factors using their nuclear localization sequences as targets.

Why my research is important
Neuroblastoma is one of the most frequent childhood cancers, with high clinical heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in treatment, side effects, metastasis and the persistence of recurrent cases are aspects that point to the need to develop more specific targeted therapies.

More about me and my investigation
– https://bifi.es/biophysics/
– https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemamerinoloma/