Marta del Rio Oliva

Biography

From 2011 to 2015, I pursued a degree in Biomedicine at the University of Seville, culminating in my Bachelor's Thesis within the "Infectious Diseases" Research Group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS). My primary focus was the characterization of outer membrane vesicles in Acinetobacter baumannii. Subsequently, I advanced my scientific career by relocating to the University of Konstanz in Germany, where I completed a Master's Degree with a specialization in immunology. Progressing further, I joined Dr. Groettrup's Immunology group for my Ph.D. studies, investigating the role of immunoproteasome inhibitors and their upstream element VCP/p97. My doctoral research, titled "Targeting the Immunoproteasome and VCP/p97 in Autoimmune Disorders and Viral Infections," concluded in 2022 with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. Positive outcomes in the thesis paved the way for Kezar Life Science to initiate clinical trials for inflammatory myositis. My dissertation work resulted in three manuscripts published as lead author in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of immunoproteasome inhibitors in alleviating myositis and psoriasis symptoms. Furthermore, I characterized the immune responses to viral infections in Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-infected mice after VCP/p97 inhibition. Notably, this research unveiled a previously unknown toxicity associated with VCP/p97 inhibition in viral infection.
During my Ph.D., I independently led my research, excelling in crafting hypotheses, defining objectives, and innovating techniques. As the sole executor of experimental work, I concurrently handled multiple projects. In the role of principal scientist for murine models, I took charge of formulating and approving animal research protocols, ensuring optimal animal welfare. Moreover, during my Ph.D. studies, I integrated my interest in education. I actively participated in the theoretical and practical programs for the Master's portfolio in the Vertiefungskurs Advanced Laboratory Course Immunology course at the University of Konstanz for Biological and Life Sciences Masters.
Additionally, I supervised a bachelor thesis (David Lacher) and two internal internships for graduated students in the context of the advanced laboratory course in the Life Science master portfolio (Nina Schumann and Marleen Herbinger). Following several years spent abroad, I transitioned into the esteemed research group led by Dr. Sanchez Cespedes at the Institute of Biomedicine, situated in Seville. Within this role, my focus centered on meticulously analyzing the immunodepressed patients' responses to viral infections. As of January 2024, I am now situated at the Center of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), under the guidance of Dr. Valle Rosado. Presently, my research endeavors are concentrated on unraveling the intricacies of replication mechanisms and endogenous DNA damage phenomena in the context of Fanconi's anaemia.