News

A potential solution to decrease toxicity in colorectal cancer treatment

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death, with over 18.1 million cases and 9.6 million deaths in 2018. One of the most successful drugs used in chemotherapy for the treatment of diverse severe cancers is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), however, one of the major problems described in clinical practice is 5-FU cell resistance.

Resarchers of the Nucleic Acids group and the Colloidal and interfacial Chemistry Group of CIBER-BBN at IQAC-CSIC have collaborated in a research to inspect and test the ability of parallel G-quadruplexes to deliver floxuridine oligonucleotides into different types of cancer cells; finally, the internalization ability and the antiproliferative action of these oligoFdU-G-quadruplexes have been evaluated in FU-resistant cell lines.

Recently an article has been published with the research results by the Jorunal of Molecules entitled “Parallel G-quadruplex structures increase cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine Oligomers in 5-Fluorouracil resistant cells”

The article describes a potential solution to decrease the toxicity of floxuridine, a known nucleoside antimetabolite used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, explains Ramón Eritja, Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS U29 from CIBER-BBN and IQAC-CSIC.

The authors used the NANBIOSIS Unit 29 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Platform (OSP) to prepare short oligonucleotides that form a tetrameric structure that is recognized by cancer cells facilitating the specific delivery to the tumor cells. Once inside of the cells, the oligonucleotides generate the active drug by nuclease degradation as a Trojan horse.

Article of reference:

Clua A, Fàbrega C, García-Chica J, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Parallel G-quadruplex Structures Increase Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine Oligomers in 5-Fluorouracil Resistant Cells. Molecules. 2021; 26(6):1741. [DOI ]

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The importance of Nanomedicine and Bioengineering to address health challenges

Josep Samitier, Coordinator of the Nanomedicine Platform (NanoMed) and Director of IBEC, as well as Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS unit 7 of Nanotecnology, of IBEC and CIBER-BBN, particiated in the XIV Annual Conference of Biomedical Research Technology Platforms was held on 11 and 12 May.

The Conference counted with the presence of relevant public and private sector actors, and more than 700 registered participants. During the opening ceremony, was opened, among others, by the Minister of Science and Innovation, Pedro Duque, it was precisely emphasized the importance of investment in science and technology. In the words of Josep Samitier: “The health area is experiencing a paradigm shift towards predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory, precision medicine and integrated healthcare. This change cannot be achieved without the different medical technologies, with special importance of nanomedicine, which will offer new opportunities to face the challenge by increasing the efficiency of health systems, while reducing costs ”. Samitier also reminded that two of the vaccines currently administered in Spain are based on nanotechnology.

Source of information: IBEC

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NANBIOSIS participates in a transversal action of CIBER incorporated into the Biobanks and Biomodels Platform of the Carlos III Health Institute

Recently, a transversal action of CIBER has been started, coordinated by Cristina Villena, made up of teams from 4 thematic areas of the CIBER (CIBERES, CIBERER, CIBER-BBN and CIBERONC) that has constituted a unit of the CIBER that has been incorporated into the new Platform of Biobanks and Biomodels of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

The CIBER unit has been selected in the call for ISCIII Platforms to support R+D+I in Biomedicine and Health Sciences of the Strategic Action in Health 2017-2020, which will finance the Platform of Biobanks and Biomodels and two more platforms on support to clinical research and revitalization of the industrial capacities of the National Health System.

This transversal unit of the CIBER, which is one of the 41 units that will be part of the Biobanks and Biomodels Platform, will be financed with more than 130,000 euros over the next three years.

The ISCIII Biobanks and Biomodels Platform (2021-2023) will coordinate the supply of biological samples of conventional diseases through the creation of virtual biobanks, and in turn, will develop the provision of services in the field of organoids, animal models and 3D printing of tissues.

The CIBER unit initially involved, (due to their long experience in providing services), the CIBER Pulmonary Biobank Platform for Respiratory Diseases (PBP CIBERES), with 12 years of operation; the CIBER Biobank of Rare Diseases (CIBERER Biobank, CBK), with 9 years; the Mouse Embryo Cryopreservation Service (CRIOCNB) and Histology (HISTOCNB) of the CIBERER (CNB-CSIC) with 16 years; and the Non-Invasive Neurofunctional Evaluation Service (ENNI) of the CIBERER (Institute of Biomedical Research “Alberto Sols” (IIBM-CSIC / UAM)) with 14 years; as well as the ICTS NANBIOSIS platform of the CIBER for Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Biomedicine (CIBER-BBN) with 8 years and the work modules of the Center for Biomedical Research in Cancer Network (CIBERONC).

This initiative, based on the collaborative work of several thematic areas of the CIBER, has as main objectives: (i) to create a CIBER catalog of biological samples and biomodel services available to consultable R + D + i, and with a common integrated management to be able to develop a CIBER Virtual Biobank; (ii) identify new existing biomodels at the CIBER, as well as technical capabilities and services that may be of interest, which can also be offered to researchers outside the institution itself; and (iii) create alliances with other similar structures to harmonize procedures and processes in the provision of research services.

“Without a doubt, this platform will improve the visibility, performance and offer of all the existing bio-resources and research support services at the CIBER, which will contribute to improving collaboration between researchers, the quality of research, as well as the transfer to the clinical practice and the productive sector ”, according to Cristina Villena

ISCIII platforms

The ISCIII Platforms are a set of research centers and groups that share their high-level scientific-technical capacities with research groups of the National Health System (SNS), and with a clear orientation to health sciences, to patients and their families, with the aim of making Spanish groups more competitive in the new Horizon Europe program.

In the 2020 call, the ISCIII has financed the Biobanks and Biomodels Platform and 2 more platforms, the Support Platform for Clinical Research and a platform that will facilitate the industrialization of the developments and research of the National Health Service, with a Global financing for the three platforms of 27 million euros to be executed during 2021-2023.

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Collaboration in the CSIC White Paper “New Challenges in Biomedicine and Health”

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is publishing the White Papers of the 14 strategic themes established on the basis of their scientific impact and social importance. The pen access to the White Paper of the fifth Challenge, Brain, Mind & Behaviour, is now avaailable. The book is the result of the “CSIC Scientific Challenges: Towards 2030”, in which the institution tackles the main issues and priorities for the future. This book is coordinated by Jesús Marco de Lucas and M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas.

Drs. Rosa Villa and Anton Guimera (Biomedical Applications Group, GAB and NANBIOSIS U8 Micro– Nano Technology Unit from CIBER-BBN and IMB-CNM-CSIC) collaborate in the secoond topic of the book: “From genes and circuits to behaviours” and Rosa Villa also has collaborated on of the eighth topic, “Brain and spinal cord damaged and rehabilitation“.

Abstract:

The last decade of the 20th century, officially designated as the Decade of the Brain, brought forth significant advances in our understanding of the biological basis that underlie brain function. Despite this notable progress, neurological and psychiatric disorders currently affect almost a third of the population, a situation that derives from our still uncomplete knowledge of basic principles ruling brain development and function. Today, we are also facing a new era of technological advances that affect our lives in profound ways and we are bound to recast our relationship with our brains. In fact, there is the prevailing view that we are on the verge of new discoveries that will challenge our concepts for self-identity and free will, the privacy of our thoughts, the origins of social behavior or the inner workings of a diseased brain. To accelerate the pace of discoveries in Neurosciences able to prevent and treat mental affections and contribute to reshape the landscapes of other fields, from psychology to economics, education and the law, we need seamless flow of information between neurobiology and other areas of science that provide different but complementary perspectives and research expertise. Given the multidisciplinary wealth of the CSIC and the privileged position of Spanish neuroscience, we are in an optimal position to make a qualitative leap in understanding the mechanisms that control brain activity and be able to turn it into useful knowledge for building a healthier, more responsible society.

CSIC White Papers

What are the major scientific challenges of the first half of the 21st century? Can we establish the priorities for the future? How should the scientific community tackle them? This book presents the reflections of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) on 14 strategic themes established on the basis of their scientific impact and social importance.

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Practical Sessions in the Master of Cosmetic and Dermopharmacy by NANBIOSIS U12

The researchers of NANBIOSIS U12, Nanostructured liquid characterization unit of CIBR-BBN and IQAC-CSIC, will participate in teaching and training students of the Master en Cosmética y Dermofarmacia, organized by Centro de Estudios Superiores de la Industria Farmacéutica (CESIF), from 17 May to 16 June 2021.

Cosmetic manufacturing companies are committed to innovation, both in technological development and in the use of components in their formulations, adapting to new trends and user needs. Determination of colloidal stability, surface tension, particle size and rheological behaviour, among many others properties, is essential for the proper characterization and understanding the performance of cosmetic products. Attendees participate in practical sessions in which they can learn advanced experimental techniques and methodologies of great interest in the cosmetic industry

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Collaboration in the CSIC White Paper “New Challenges in Biomedicine and Health”

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is publishing the White Papers of the 14 strategic themes established on the basis of their scientific impact and social importance. The pen access to the White Paper of the fourth Challenge, New Challenges in Biomedicine and Health, is now avaailable. The book is the result of the “CSIC Scientific Challenges: Towards 2030”, in which the institution tackles the main issues and priorities for the future. This book is coordinated by Mario Delgado (Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López – Neyra”, Granada) and María Moros (Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, Zaragoza).

Drs. Rosa Villa (Biomedical Applications Group, GAB and NANBIOSIS U8 Micro– Nano Technology Unit from CIBER-BBN and IMB-CNM-CSIC) collaborate in the eighth topic of the book: “New methods for diagnostic tools and prevention” and is also a part of the seventh topic, “Advanced therapies“.

“New methods for diagnostic tools and prevention” is a highly interdisciplinary area, with a wide range in areas of research, methodologies and applications. It consists on contributions according to imaging modality for diagnostics, detection/screening methods, and prevention and personalised treatments.

The chapter mentions GAB efforts to develop biocompatible and biodegradable implants for neurological applica-tions, and wearable devices (implants and external) for the real time and continuous monitoring, and early diagnosis for in vivo applications. .

As for Organ-on-chips, it contains GAB‘s research in 3D microfluidics and sensors integration to simulate organ and tissuspecific micro-environments. These systems are applied for toxicological stud-ies and personalized medicine and represent a clear alternative to minimize animal experimentation.

In “Advanced therapies” the research in instrumentation for proton tomography and proton-range verification using prompt gamma rays is highly studied.

Biomedicine and Health

A lesson learnt from the pandemia caused by coronavirus is that solutions in health require coordinated actions. Beside this and other (re)emerging infectious diseases, Spain and Europe are suffering a plethora of disorders that are currently acquiring epidemic dimensions, including cancer, rare diseases, pain and food allergies, among others. New tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment need to be urgently designed and implemented using new holistic and multidisciplinary approaches involving researchers, clinicians, industry and all stakeholders in the health system.

CSIC White Papers

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Five experts explain the results of the CSIC Global Health Platform after a year of research on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus

– Margarita del Val, Pilar Marco, Mario Mellado, Diego Ramiro and Iñaki Comas will disseminate, in a webinar through YouTube, the works on the disease, diagnosis and social impact
– The platform investigates the new coronavirus in six areas: prevention, disease, containment and diagnosis, treatment and vaccines, social impact and communication

Five experts from the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) will explain in a webinar broadcast on YouTube, on Wednesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m., the results of a year of research at the CSIC on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus carried out by the Global Health Platform. In the session, titled El CSIC y la covid-19. A year later, five coordinators of the platform will participate: the virologist and immunologist Margarita del Val, from the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center (CBMSO-CSIC-UAM), who will moderate the debate; the nanobiotechnologist Pilar Marco, who leads the group Nb4D of CIBER-BBN/IQAC-CSIC and Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS unit 2Custom Antibody Service (CAbS); the demographer Diego Ramiro, from the Institute of Economics, Geography and Demography (IEGD-CSIC), the immunologist Mario Mellado, director of the National Center for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), and the biologist Iñaki Comas, from the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV -CSIC). Interested parties may ask questions via email webinar@csic.es or live through the chat on the CSIC Comunicación YouTube channel.
The CSIC Global Health Platform, launched in March 2020, coordinates more than 100 projects to unravel the new coronavirus and seek medium and long-term solutions. The platform has mobilized and coordinates more than 300 research groups from more than 90 CSIC centers, out of a total of 120, in six work topics, which try to cover all aspects of the pandemic with an interdisciplinary approach: prevention, prevention, disease, containment and diagnosis, treatment and vaccines, social impact, and communication.
The platform has coordinated 100 research projects and actions, ranging from the development of antivirals and anti-inflammatory treatments, the monitoring of transmission, the study of the virus genome and the impact of mutations, the genetics of patients, their immune response to infection and vaccination, up to the launch of systems for diagnosis and containment of the virus.
The platform has also included studies carried out on the social perception of the measures, especially on the impact on nursing homes.

The Global Health platform has become a stable structure for scientific cooperation, as well as for the generation of patented technologies. Its consolidation, reinforcing its structure and coordination mechanisms, in particular the link with the clinical sector, prepares the body to face new challenges and opportunities, and for the development of initiatives with companies in Spain, necessary to configure a response to this and future pandemics.

The speakers
Margarita del Val (CBM-CSIC-UAM) is a virologist and immunologist. She coordinates the CSIC Global Health Platform, where she directs a project to characterize the immune response to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to vaccination.
Pilar Marco (IQAC-CSIC) is a nanobiotechnologist. She runs a project (POC4COV) to develop rapid detection tests for the coronavirus. The objective is to obtain low-cost tests to detect biomarkers of the virus using electrochemical technology and nanostructures.
Mario Mellado (CNB-CSIC) is an immunologist and directs the CSIC’s National Center for Biotechnology, which has become the agency’s center on research into treatments for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. At the CNB-CSIC, two vaccine prototypes for covid-19 and treatments with monoclonal antibodies are being developed, and drugs with possible efficacy to treat the new coronavirus are being screened.
Diego Ramiro (IEGD-CSIC) is a demographer and directs three projects to assess the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on residences for the elderly.
Iñaki Comas (IBV-CSIC) is a biologist and an expert in genomics. He co-leads a genomic epidemiology project on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain. His team has observed that there were multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain, but that only a few caused a large number of infections.

Source of information: CSIC

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Course on Introduction to Research and Laboratory Techniques in Biosciences

CCMIJU has organised the IV Course on Introduction to research and laboratory techniques in Biosciences, which wil take place at JUMISC from May, 3th to June 6th 2020 under the Direction of Javier García Casado, Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS U14 Cell Therapy and Francisco Miguel Sanchez Margallo Deputy Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS. Other researchers of NANBIOSIS Units offer their expertise as Beatriz Moreno Lobato, Scientific Diector NANBIOSIS U19 and Luis Dávila Gómez, Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS U22.

The course include:

KNOWLEDGE PILLS FOR RESEARCH
EXERCISES AND CASE STUDIES I
RNA and DNA: GENE EXPRESSION AND GENETIC STUDIES IN REPRODUCTION.
EXERCISES / CASE STUDIES II
PROTEINS AND PROTEOMA: PROTEIN EXPRESSION STUDIES AND PROTEOMIC MASS IDENTIFICATION / IDENTIFICATION.
CELL CULTURES: STEM CELL CULTURES, PRODUCTION FOR CLINICAL USES.
MISCELLANEOUS: HISTOLOGY, CLINICAL ANALYSIS, 3D BIOPRINTING AND ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION.
FINAL EXAMINATION

Further information and registration at Campus CCMIJU

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First Dresselhaus Prize of the SCN2 to María Jesús Ortiz

María Jesús Ortiz i Aguayo, graduate in Chemistry from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), has been the winner of the First Dresselhaus Prize, organized by the Catalan Society of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (SCN2), of the 2020 edition.

The award recognizes the work “Development of a pH microsensor for the determination of hydrogen sulfide based on Inkjet Printing“, supervised by Maria del Mar Baeza Labat (UAB) and Gemma Gabriel Buguña, from the Biomedical Applications Group GAB and NANBIOSIS U8 Micro– Nano Technology Unit from CIBER-BBN and IMB-CNM-CSIC
The student also did her TFG with Dra. Gemma Gabriel at the IMB-CNM.

The second edition of the SCN² Dresselhaus Awards, convened in September 2020 and held during the third wave of COVID-19 in Catalonia, closed on April 19, 2021 with the publication of the three winners this year. Only up to three paid awards and up to three mentions are awarded for high quality work according to the Jury evaluation, this year there have been no special mentions. The awards recognize the excellence of nanoscience work.

Further information here

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Supply, installation and implementation of a document control system, LIMS management and equipment, to enhance the capacities of the distributed ICTS Units (NANBIOSIS -AILIMS).

The project “Updating the Infrastructures and implementation of a LIMS document control and management system to enhance the capacities of the Distributed ICTS NANBIOSIS Units managed by the CCMIJU (AILIMS-NANBIOSIS) ‘has been co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) within the framework of the Pluriregional Operational Program of Spain (POPE) of Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) 2014-2020.

The following actions are considered in the framework of the project:

-Within Unit 22 or Animal Facility, the Installation and development of an environmental treatment-control system of the housing rooms, an Improvement and adaptation of the spaces for experimental models, the Acquisition, installation and development of a two-door ultra- filtered air shower and the Acquisition, installation and development of a post-procedural recovery chamber.

– For the rest of the NANBIOSIS Units managed by the CCMIJU: Acquisition, installation and development of a LIMS Software.

Within this last action, tender with reference number 02S/2021 on Supply, installation and implementation of a LIMS document control and management system, as well as the necessary equipment for its correct operation, has been published and has already been awarded.

The actions and their budget are here detailed: (VI) PROJECT REFERENCE: ICTS-2019-14-50), together with the FEDER co-funded rate.

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CSIC White Papers

Biomedicine and Health

CSIC White Papers