María Martínez Monge
Centre: IUI BIFI
Institution: University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza (Spain)
Position: PhD Student
E-mail: mariamartinezm@unizar.es
Phone: 976762989
Profile: Ver
Personal statement
My first research project was based on the study of a cell line involved in epilepsy and I carried it out during my Final Degree Project (TFG), at the Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Physiology of the University of Barcelona.
In 2022, I studied a Master in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Zaragoza. During the search for a research group for my Master’s Thesis (TFM), I met Dr. Nunilo Cremades, Principal Investigator of BIFI, who offered me to carry out the project in her team. Thus, I started my research activity in the institute, developing my TFM entitled “Exploring new dysfunctions of alpha synuclein in the nucleus related to pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease”. After completing my master’s degree, I was hired as a junior researcher to continue my research in the same group until 2024, when I received an FPI grant to carry out a doctoral thesis, also under the direction of Dr. Cremades.
Researcher profile identity
I am a R1 researcher. Amyloidogenic proteins are a type of protein that, under certain circumstances, fold abnormally, forming aberrant aggregates that eventually lead to the formation and accumulation of “amyloid plaques.” These deposits accumulate in various organs or tissues of the body, impairing their proper function. This process is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Membraneless organelles and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are phenomena that have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their potential implications in various cellular processes and their association with diseases. Particularly in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, it has been proposed that certain proteins may initiate their pathological aggregation within these organelles through a process known as liquid-to-solid phase transition (LSPT). Therefore, these processes could be critical for the development of such pathologies.
The main goal of my thesis is to understand the factors and mechanisms that initiate these LLPS and LSPT processes in amyloidogenic proteins related to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Why my research is important
Although it is known that the formation of amyloid plaques is a key feature of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, there is still limited knowledge about the early events and factors that trigger the process. Therefore, understanding these events in detail is crucial for advancing early diagnosis and developing effective early therapies. This is the main objective of my research. To achieve this, I have access to the highly equipped laboratories at BIFI, where I will conduct various advanced biophysical techniques to characterize these molecular mechanisms in detail. Additionally, during my research, I will focus on knowledge exchange and continuous updating by participating in conferences, courses, and conducting stays at other research centers. This will allow me to enrich my work and keep my research aligned with the latest advancements in the field.
Know about me and my research
– https://bifi.es/es/instituto/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-martinez-monge/
