Biography

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry (2000) from the University of Navarra and subsequently pursued doctoral studies under the mentorship of Drs. Guillermo Zalba and Javier Díez, culminating in a PhD in 2004. My doctoral research focused on the identification and characterization of genetic variants within the human CYBA gene, which encodes the p22phox subunit of NADPH oxidase systems. This work provided me with extensive training in diverse molecular and cellular biology techniques within the context of oxidative stress and cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Following a brief period in the same research group, I undertook a postdoctoral fellowship (March 2006 – December 2008) in the laboratory of Prof. Anna Dominiczak at the BHF-Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre (United Kingdom), where I investigated the role of NADPH oxidase systems in patients with coronary artery disease.

In 2009, I joined the Cardiovascular Diseases Program led by Prof. Javier Díez at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra. My research has been dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms by which oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase systems contribute to cardiovascular disease. Key findings include the identification of the significant role of circulating cell NADPH system activation in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, I have identified the involvement of myocardial NADPH oxidases in pathological myocardial remodelling associated with heart failure, specifically highlighting the pathological function of NOX2 and contributing patient-derived evidence regarding the contentious role of NOX4. My work within the Laboratory of Myocardial Remodeling and Heart Failure at CIMA-University of Navarra has also explored the contribution of myocardial fibrosis to heart failure, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms driving collagen deposition and the identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers. Our research integrated state-of-the-art “omics” technologies to discover novel circulating biomarkers for heart failure. As a member of the Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Network (CIBERCV), I served as the scientific manager (2017-2021) of the Biomarkers and Precision Medicine Program, directed by Prof. Díez.

My research contributions are reflected in more than 45 peer-reviewed publications, garnering over 2300 citations and an H-index of 26 (Scopus). I have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I am actively involved in competitive research projects, including those funded by European grants, and have served as Principal Investigator on both national and regional projects.

Transitioning from an Associate Lecturer position (2013-2021), I am currently a Full-Time Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra. My ongoing research investigates the role of NADPH oxidase systems, particularly NOX5, in cardiovascular pathophysiology. My academic responsibilities include teaching biochemistry, genetics, and genetic engineering, as well as supervising undergraduate and master's research projects. I am co-director of two doctoral thesis that explore the role of endotelial NOX5 in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. I hold accreditation from the Spanish National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) for three six-year research periods and as a University Lecturer (Profesor Titular).