The UCLM-CSIC Associated Unit “Neurodeath” is located in the Faculty of Medicine of Albacete. It is directed by Professor Valentín Ceña and is currently made up of a diverse team made up of two senior researchers, two postdoctoral professionals, two doctoral students, a laboratory technician and an assistant.
The group’s main line of research focuses on the use of nanoparticles and siRNA to decrease the levels of proteins involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, both in vitro and in vivo
More specifically, the group is interested in developing nanoparticles that can transport siRNA into glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells to enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer treatments.
The group has identified several nanoparticles that are capable of efficiently transporting siRNA into tumor cells and simultaneously reducing the cellular levels of up to three proteins involved in signaling survival and proliferation pathways in both glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells.
In addition, some of these nanoparticles have been shown to be able to transport labeled siRNA to the brain. These particles do not modify any biochemical parameters in the serum of animals.