Our research group is a consolidated group of the IMIBIC, bringing together clinical and basic research to form the critical mass needed to undertake projects that improve the knowledge and treatment of pathologies associated with human health.
The group’s research falls into two main areas: (1) Stem cells and regenerative medicine; 2) Metabolomics and biomarker identification.
In the first area, our research is focused on studying differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts and adipocytes and evaluating the way in which this process can be affected by drugs, culture conditions or natural compounds. To this end, our aim is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to treat pathologies such as osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes. Our group also includes studies on the mobilization of progenitor cells to improve regenerative capacity in chronically ill patients and the old. In the second area, our research is directed at the search for metabolites that can be used as a diagnostic tool for predicting the likelihood of suffering bone diseases, obesity and age-related bone fragility. Our group also identifies stem cell factors that induce and reactivate the regenerative capacity of tissue. This activity connects the two areas of research.
Our research activity is directed at clinical applications and transferability. Our results have shown the potential of natural compounds for treating pathologies such as osteoporosis and obesity. We recently described the possible application of teriparatide (an anabolic agent used in osteoporosis to promote bone formation) to regenerative medicine and aging. Also deriving from the group’s research activity, a clinical trial is currently being conducted with a new product containing olive leaf extract for healing chronic skin ulcers.
To optimize and expand the research capability of the group, we are collaborating intramurally with IMIBIC groups such as GC13, GC14 and GC21, departments at the University of Cordoba, such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Nursing, groups from the IFAPA Center (Alameda del Obispo), the Faculty of Sports Science at the University of Extremadura, and the Institute of Biomedical Research in A Coruña (INIBIC). Extramurally, our group is also integrated into the Andalusian Research Plan (Code CTS-413), as well as the CIBER for Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) [CB16/10/00501], where we work to find answers and solutions that improve the quality of life of older people, and understanding aging as a process that begins a long time before old age.
As a result of these collaborations, we have received funding for various research projects and published scientific studies.
Research Lines
Networks
CIBER for Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES)
PAIDI CTS-413 scientific group
Keywords
- Osteoporosis
- vitamin D
- carotenoids
- fatty acids
- human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCh) of adult adipocytes
- osteoblasts
- polyphenols
- gene expression
- proteomics
- nutrigenetics
- nutrigenomics
- endothelial progenitor cells
- exosomes
- aging
- regenerative medicine
