Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Spain
PUBLICATION PROFILE
INTRODUCTION 👩🔬
Dr. Isabel Lastres-Becker is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, specializing in biochemistry and neurodegenerative diseases. With over 20 years of research experience, her scientific work primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and proteinopathies. Her contributions span several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Huntington’s disease.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓
Dr. Lastres-Becker completed her Licenciatura en Ciencias Químicas (Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry) with a specialization in Biochemistry from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1997. She later earned her PhD in Biochemistry in 2003 from the same institution, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Her doctoral research was awarded the prestigious European mention.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 👩🏫
Throughout her career, Dr. Lastres-Becker has held various academic and research positions. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid since October 2021, after having previously served as a Ramón y Cajal researcher and Postdoctoral Researcher in Spain and Germany. Her experience in both the academic and research environments has greatly contributed to her expertise in neurodegenerative diseases.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬
Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research contributions have had a significant impact on the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has focused on various aspects:
- Cannabinoid System in Huntington’s Disease: Dr. Lastres-Becker explored how the dysregulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system affects Huntington’s disease. Her work laid the groundwork for clinical trials examining the neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids.
- Parkinson’s Disease: She demonstrated how cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1, are involved in neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease, and her research suggested potential therapeutic targets for modulating microglial activity.
- Ataxin-2 in Spinocerebellar Ataxia: She was the first to identify the role of ataxin-2 in metabolism and protein synthesis, as well as its involvement in SCA2 neurodegeneration.
- NRF2 Transcription Factor: Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research on NRF2 has revealed its central role in neurodegenerative diseases. She showed how NRF2’s involvement in inflammatory processes could be a therapeutic target, particularly in the context of Parkinson’s disease and tauopathies.
- Neuron-Glia Communication: In Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Lastres-Becker identified how neurons with overexpressed TAU protein release fractalkine (CX3CL1), triggering neuroinflammation and tau-related neurodegeneration.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍
Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research is not only impactful within the academic sphere but also in the broader scientific and clinical communities. She serves as an external collaborator with several research groups and is a reviewer for high-impact scientific journals. Additionally, her collaborations with international research agencies and companies have advanced the therapeutic exploration of neurodegenerative diseases.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 📚
Dr. Lastres-Becker has authored more than 65 publications, contributing significantly to neurodegenerative disease research. Some of her high-impact publications include studies on the cannabinoid system, NRF2 modulation, and tauopathies, with her work frequently cited in the fields of neurobiology and pharmacology. These studies have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but have also provided the foundation for potential clinical therapies.
HONORS & AWARDS 🏆
Throughout her career, Dr. Lastres-Becker has received numerous awards and grants, including funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. Her work has been recognized through various prestigious research projects aimed at studying and developing therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮
Looking ahead, Dr. Lastres-Becker continues to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. She is currently involved in various cutting-edge research projects focused on the roles of NRF2, cannabinoids, and proteostasis. Her future work aims to bridge the gap between preclinical discoveries and clinical applications, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients with these devastating conditions.
TOP NOTES PUBLICATIONS 📚
Model organisms for investigating the functional involvement of NRF2 in non-communicable diseases
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- Authors: A.I. Rojo, B. Buttari, S. Cadenas, I.P. Trougakos, A.T. Dinkova-Kostova
- Journal: Redox Biology
- Year: 2025
Investigation in the cannabigerol derivative VCE-003.2 as a disease-modifying agent in a mouse model of experimental synucleinopathy
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- Authors: S. Burgaz, E. Navarro, S. Rodríguez-Carreiro, E.E. Muñóz, J.J. Fernández-Ruiz
- Journal: Behavioral and Brain Functions
- Year: 2024
Beneficial Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate Drug Repositioning in a Mouse Model of TDP-43-Dependent Frontotemporal Dementia
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- Authors: I. Silva-Llanes, R. Martín-Baquero, A. Berrojo-Armisen, E. De Lago, I. Lastres-Becker
- Journal: Antioxidants
- Year: 2024
Biomarkers of NRF2 signalling: Current status and future challenges
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- Authors: C. Morgenstern, I. Lastres-Becker, B.C. Demirdogen, A. Cuadrado, I.M. Copple
- Journal: Redox Biology
- Year: 2024
RIPK1 expression and inhibition in tauopathies: implications for neuroinflammation and neuroprotection
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- Authors: I. Silva-Llanes, E. Madruga, A.R. Martínez, I. Lastres-Becker
- Journal: Frontiers in Neuroscience
- Year: 2024