Overview
The Metabolism, Aging and Disease (MAD) research area at CNC-UC investigates the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and its disruption in disease. Key topics include energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, inter-organ communication, pancreatic islet biology, insulin secretion, glucose regulation, obesity, diabetes, and its associated complications. The area also encompasses human reproductive biology and infertility, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammation, immunity, immunometabolism, and the interactions between the immune system and epithelial barriers. Research further extends to the development of novel pharmacological and immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at understanding and modulating the cellular and molecular processes underlying disease.
Experimental research employs cellular and animal models, human samples and advanced experimental systems, including three-dimensional models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal experimentation. This research integrates knowledge and methodologies from multiple disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, mitochondrial biology, omics technologies, and advanced imaging and functional analysis techniques. The research area also incorporates meta-research as a cross-cutting dimension, dedicated to evaluating and improving scientific practices and promoting research quality, integrity, transparency and reproducibility. The overarching aim is to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying metabolism, aging and disease, identify biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets, and contribute to the development of innovative strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment, supported by robust scientific evidence.
Main Goals
- To understand the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms that regulate metabolism, homeostasis and aging, including mitochondrial function, metabolic control, pancreatic islet physiology, reproductive biology, and interactions between metabolism, the immune system and different organs and tissues;
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of metabolic, inflammatory, degenerative and reproductive diseases, including obesity, skin and respiratory allergies, cancer, diabetes and its complications, mitochondrial dysfunction, infertility and alterations in immune responses, to identify biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets;
- To develop innovative strategies for disease prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological and immunotherapeutic approaches, while promoting the use of human-relevant experimental models and alternatives to animal experimentation, as well as the development and implementation of scientific practices that enhance research quality, integrity, reproducibility and impact.
