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Project: Peptidoglycan sensing molecules as brain sensors for gut-induced inflammation
Nationality: Spanish
Supervisor / Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rochellys Diaz Heijtz / Prof. Dr. Ina Bergheim
Host Organisation: Karolinska Institute (KI), Sweden
I studied a bachelor’s degree in the University of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid. During my final project titled "Microbiological analysis of water for prevention and control of Legionellosis" with Dr. Concepción Carbonell Pernía and Dr. Jose Ramón De Lucas Iglesias, I gained valuable experience and interest in microbiology and in the field of adaptive immunity. That is why I decided to start a master's degree in Immunology Research at the Complutense University of Madrid. During this time, I chose the optional subjects "Immunonutrition" and "Neuroimmunology", being able to understand how our brain and immune system are connected with our gut microbiome. In this stage of my career, I worked for my master´s thesis within Dr. Edgar Fernández Malavé group, at the Medical School of the university. I worked with animal models in immunology to find out the role of N-ras protein and the mechanisms underlying B lymphocytes activation in N-ras KO mice. Apart from my scientific career, I also I have been working outside the lab to achieve my personal goals, I am a certificated Level I Rythmic Gymnastics Coach, and I have been working before and during my bachelor in this sport. Now, I am focused on my scientific career and I really want to learn, work and be able to grow within the scientific community.
What is your project/research about? What would you like to find out?
The overall goal of this project is to explore the role of the gut microbiota in the process of aging and cognition. The gut microbiota is the complex and dynamic population of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract. It has emerged as one of the key regulators of the bidirectional relation between the gut and the brain. These microorganisms can modulate the maturation and activation of microglia (the innate immune cells involved in inflammatory responses and inflammaging) among other functions. This inflammaging, associated with increased intestinal permeability, is known to have a role in age-related disorders and cognitive impairments. Moreover, some studies have shown that cognitive abilities in old age can be improved through various physical activities, as well as with dietary interventions, that we are planning to use to impact the intestinal microbiota composition. On the other hand, peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are key sensing molecules of the innate immune system that specifically detect bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) and have recently emerged as potencial key regulators of normal brain development, function and behavior. We are planning to use advanced transgenic mouse models to further investigate the role of PGN-sensing molecules in cognition. The ultimate goal of my PhD thesis then, is to find out is the impact of PGRPs in cognition, inflammation, and on the gut microbiota; the different species of bacteria associated with cognitive function in mice lacking these molecules during aging and following interventions, gender-specific effects and if there are some changes that are transferable via fecal transplantation.
Why did you apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN and especially this project?
The thing that most caught my attention we I started to read about this wonderful grant, was that the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions are keen in supporting all types of researchers. But it is amazing to have such a big opportunity at the early stage of your career, I cannot believe how much I will grow in this journey. MSCAs are also great for bringing academia closer to industry, showing different paths in science, and enabling new training and enhancing the employability and professional development of researchers.
What is so fascinating for you on research in general?
During my whole career I have been taking part of many scientific courses and conferences to continue my training and building my knowledge. The very fact of knowing and understanding processes of life to learn different approaches and apply them to solve real problems is a motivation. It is also a huge responsibility for scientists, but an opportunity to shape a better world.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have special interests/hobbies?
When the workday ends, I really enjoy going to the gym or taking a walk in the park listening to music, it really makes me feel relaxed. But I am also very interested in art, I paint since I was a kid and I love abstract art, both admiring and painting it. This hobby has sometimes allows me to attend talks, or participate in contests where art and science are related, like the “Art of Neuroscience” contest, created by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), an institute part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
What are your plans for your future? Where/what you will be in 5 years?
I am excited to see how my scientific career develops during these 4 years of PhD. I have never told myself that I want to do just one thing. At this moment I look forward to finishing my PhD with great knowledge in the field of neuroscience and microbiota. I am very interested as well in nutrition and the impact it has in the gut microbiome; so, within 5 years I will be working to get closer to my research interests. I am planning to do what I love, scientific research. I want to acquire new skills and learn new techniques in both national and international laboratories, go on to post-doctoral positions and specialize in a particular field to further develop as a senior researcher.