Hey there! I am Alba, an extroverted, pro-active and optimistic woman from the Mediterranean city of Badalona (next to Barcelona). I studied Pharmacy and Biomedicine, and then embarked myself into a PhD, which was the beginning of my scientific research career. At present, I am a postdoctoral research fellow. I (still) want to understand metabolic diseases such as obesity-related type 2 diabetes, and concretely, the impact of lifestyle (i.e. diet and exercise). I have acquired both wet-lab and computational basic skills, while working with cellular and animal models. I enjoy working in an international and enriching environment.I try to speak Danish, I love to travel, and I found out I also love mitochondria. Address: Blegdamsvej 3B, 7.7.85 2200 Copenhagen Denmark
Mitochondria form an interconnected and dynamic web that undergoes continuous cycles of fusion an... more Mitochondria form an interconnected and dynamic web that undergoes continuous cycles of fusion and fission events. This phenomenon, known as mitochondrial dynamics, represents a key quality control system to maintain a healthy mitochondrial population but also a mechanism to bioenergetically adapt to the cellular and tissue energetic demands. Consequently, mitochondria can be viewed not only as energy supply organelles but also as energy sensors. It is therefore not surprising that disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics, concomitantly with alterations in mitochondrial architecture, has been associated with several diseases including metabolic disorders. Here, we review current evidences connecting mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetic alterations with the development of obesity and diabetes-related phenotypes, and how current strategies to alleviate such phenotypes impact in mitochondrial network and function.
... Circ Res 2001; 88: E14E22. 20 Guzik TJ, Mussa S, Gastaldi D, et al. Mechanisms of increased ... more ... Circ Res 2001; 88: E14E22. 20 Guzik TJ, Mussa S, Gastaldi D, et al. Mechanisms of increased vascular superoxide production in human diabetes mellitus: role of NAD(P)H oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Circulation 2002; 105: 165662. ...
Abstract: A series of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogues, containing non-cyc... more Abstract: A series of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogues, containing non-cyclic amino acids (Ala, d-Ala, β-Ala, NMeAla, d-NMeAla or Sar) instead of Pro in position 2 was synthesized, where NMeAla = N-methylalanine and Sar = N-methylglycine, ...
BACKGROUND:
In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in th... more BACKGROUND: In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in the cascade that leads to permanent disability. Thus, identifying the initial events triggered by inflammation or oxidative stress that provoke axonal damage is critical for the development of neuroprotective therapies. Energy depletion due to mitochondrial dysfunction has been postulated as an important step in the damage of axons. This prompted us to study the effects of acute inflammation and oxidative stress on the morphology, transport, and function of mitochondria in axons.
METHODS: Mouse cerebellar slice cultures were challenged with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ex vivo for 24 h. Axonal mitochondrial morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial transportation by time-lapse imaging. In addition, mitochondrial function in the cerebellar slice cultures was analyzed through high-resolution respirometry assays and quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
RESULTS: Both conditions promoted an increase in the size and complexity of axonal mitochondria evident in electron microscopy images, suggesting a compensatory response. Such compensation was reflected at the tissue level as increased respiratory activity of complexes I and IV and as a transient increase in ATP production in response to acute inflammation. Notably, time-lapse microscopy indicated that mitochondrial transport (mean velocity) was severely impaired in axons, increasing the proportion of stationary mitochondria in axons after LPS challenge. Indeed, the two challenges used produced different effects: inflammation mostly reducing retrograde transport and oxidative stress slightly enhancing retrograde transportation.
CONCLUSIONS: Neuroinflammation acutely impairs axonal mitochondrial transportation, which would promote an inappropriate delivery of energy throughout axons and, by this way, contribute to axonal damage. Thus, preserving axonal mitochondrial transport might represent a promising avenue to exploit as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection in brain inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis.
The excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a pivotal role in regulating the synaptic con... more The excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a pivotal role in regulating the synaptic concentration of glutamate in the mammalian central nervous system. To date, five different subtypes have been identified, named EAAT15 in humans (and GLAST, GLT-1, EAAC1, EAAT4, and EAAT5, respectively, in rodents). Recently, we have published and presented a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of a novel class of selective inhibitors of EAAT1 (and GLAST), with the analogs UCPH-101 (IC(50)=0.66μM) and UCPH-102 (IC(50)=0.43μM) being the most potent inhibitors in the series. In this paper, we present the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of six coumarin-based fluorescent analogs of UCPH-101/102 as subtype-selective inhibitors at EAAT1. Analogs 1114 failed to inhibit EAAT1 function (IC(50) values >300μM), whereas analogs 15 and UCPH-102F inhibited EAAT1 with IC(50) values in the medium micromolar range (17μM and 14μM, respectively). Under physiological pH no fluorescence was observed for analog 15, while a bright blue fluorescence emission was observed for analog UCPH-102F. Regrettably, under confocal laser scanning microscopy selective visualization of expression of EAAT1 over EAAT3 was not possible due to nonspecific binding of UCPH-102F.
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, Jan 22, 2014
Context: Diabetes is frequently diagnosed late, when the development of complications is almost i... more Context: Diabetes is frequently diagnosed late, when the development of complications is almost inevitable, decreasing the quality of life of patients. However, early detection of affected individuals would allow the implementation of timely and effective therapies. Objective: Here we set to describe the profile of circulating microRNAs in prediabetic patients with the intention of identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Design: We used real-time RT-PCR to measure the abundance of 176 miRNAs in serum of a cohort of 92 control and prediabetic individuals with either impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, as well as newly diagnosed diabetic patients. We validated the results in a second cohort of control and prediabetic subjects undergoing a therapeutic exercise intervention, as well as in a mouse model of glucose intolerance. Results: We identified two miRNAs, miR-192 and miR-193b, whose abundance is significantly increased in the prediabetic state but no...
Mitochondria form an interconnected and dynamic web that undergoes continuous cycles of fusion an... more Mitochondria form an interconnected and dynamic web that undergoes continuous cycles of fusion and fission events. This phenomenon, known as mitochondrial dynamics, represents a key quality control system to maintain a healthy mitochondrial population but also a mechanism to bioenergetically adapt to the cellular and tissue energetic demands. Consequently, mitochondria can be viewed not only as energy supply organelles but also as energy sensors. It is therefore not surprising that disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics, concomitantly with alterations in mitochondrial architecture, has been associated with several diseases including metabolic disorders. Here, we review current evidences connecting mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetic alterations with the development of obesity and diabetes-related phenotypes, and how current strategies to alleviate such phenotypes impact in mitochondrial network and function.
... Circ Res 2001; 88: E14E22. 20 Guzik TJ, Mussa S, Gastaldi D, et al. Mechanisms of increased ... more ... Circ Res 2001; 88: E14E22. 20 Guzik TJ, Mussa S, Gastaldi D, et al. Mechanisms of increased vascular superoxide production in human diabetes mellitus: role of NAD(P)H oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Circulation 2002; 105: 165662. ...
Abstract: A series of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogues, containing non-cyc... more Abstract: A series of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogues, containing non-cyclic amino acids (Ala, d-Ala, β-Ala, NMeAla, d-NMeAla or Sar) instead of Pro in position 2 was synthesized, where NMeAla = N-methylalanine and Sar = N-methylglycine, ...
BACKGROUND:
In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in th... more BACKGROUND: In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in the cascade that leads to permanent disability. Thus, identifying the initial events triggered by inflammation or oxidative stress that provoke axonal damage is critical for the development of neuroprotective therapies. Energy depletion due to mitochondrial dysfunction has been postulated as an important step in the damage of axons. This prompted us to study the effects of acute inflammation and oxidative stress on the morphology, transport, and function of mitochondria in axons.
METHODS: Mouse cerebellar slice cultures were challenged with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ex vivo for 24 h. Axonal mitochondrial morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial transportation by time-lapse imaging. In addition, mitochondrial function in the cerebellar slice cultures was analyzed through high-resolution respirometry assays and quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
RESULTS: Both conditions promoted an increase in the size and complexity of axonal mitochondria evident in electron microscopy images, suggesting a compensatory response. Such compensation was reflected at the tissue level as increased respiratory activity of complexes I and IV and as a transient increase in ATP production in response to acute inflammation. Notably, time-lapse microscopy indicated that mitochondrial transport (mean velocity) was severely impaired in axons, increasing the proportion of stationary mitochondria in axons after LPS challenge. Indeed, the two challenges used produced different effects: inflammation mostly reducing retrograde transport and oxidative stress slightly enhancing retrograde transportation.
CONCLUSIONS: Neuroinflammation acutely impairs axonal mitochondrial transportation, which would promote an inappropriate delivery of energy throughout axons and, by this way, contribute to axonal damage. Thus, preserving axonal mitochondrial transport might represent a promising avenue to exploit as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection in brain inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis.
The excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a pivotal role in regulating the synaptic con... more The excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a pivotal role in regulating the synaptic concentration of glutamate in the mammalian central nervous system. To date, five different subtypes have been identified, named EAAT15 in humans (and GLAST, GLT-1, EAAC1, EAAT4, and EAAT5, respectively, in rodents). Recently, we have published and presented a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of a novel class of selective inhibitors of EAAT1 (and GLAST), with the analogs UCPH-101 (IC(50)=0.66μM) and UCPH-102 (IC(50)=0.43μM) being the most potent inhibitors in the series. In this paper, we present the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of six coumarin-based fluorescent analogs of UCPH-101/102 as subtype-selective inhibitors at EAAT1. Analogs 1114 failed to inhibit EAAT1 function (IC(50) values >300μM), whereas analogs 15 and UCPH-102F inhibited EAAT1 with IC(50) values in the medium micromolar range (17μM and 14μM, respectively). Under physiological pH no fluorescence was observed for analog 15, while a bright blue fluorescence emission was observed for analog UCPH-102F. Regrettably, under confocal laser scanning microscopy selective visualization of expression of EAAT1 over EAAT3 was not possible due to nonspecific binding of UCPH-102F.
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, Jan 22, 2014
Context: Diabetes is frequently diagnosed late, when the development of complications is almost i... more Context: Diabetes is frequently diagnosed late, when the development of complications is almost inevitable, decreasing the quality of life of patients. However, early detection of affected individuals would allow the implementation of timely and effective therapies. Objective: Here we set to describe the profile of circulating microRNAs in prediabetic patients with the intention of identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Design: We used real-time RT-PCR to measure the abundance of 176 miRNAs in serum of a cohort of 92 control and prediabetic individuals with either impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, as well as newly diagnosed diabetic patients. We validated the results in a second cohort of control and prediabetic subjects undergoing a therapeutic exercise intervention, as well as in a mouse model of glucose intolerance. Results: We identified two miRNAs, miR-192 and miR-193b, whose abundance is significantly increased in the prediabetic state but no...
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Papers by Alba Gonzalez-Franquesa
In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in the cascade that leads to permanent disability. Thus, identifying the initial events triggered by inflammation or oxidative stress that provoke axonal damage is critical for the development of neuroprotective therapies. Energy depletion due to mitochondrial dysfunction has been postulated as an important step in the damage of axons. This prompted us to study the effects of acute inflammation and oxidative stress on the morphology, transport, and function of mitochondria in axons.
METHODS:
Mouse cerebellar slice cultures were challenged with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ex vivo for 24 h. Axonal mitochondrial morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial transportation by time-lapse imaging. In addition, mitochondrial function in the cerebellar slice cultures was analyzed through high-resolution respirometry assays and quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
RESULTS:
Both conditions promoted an increase in the size and complexity of axonal mitochondria evident in electron microscopy images, suggesting a compensatory response. Such compensation was reflected at the tissue level as increased respiratory activity of complexes I and IV and as a transient increase in ATP production in response to acute inflammation. Notably, time-lapse microscopy indicated that mitochondrial transport (mean velocity) was severely impaired in axons, increasing the proportion of stationary mitochondria in axons after LPS challenge. Indeed, the two challenges used produced different effects: inflammation mostly reducing retrograde transport and oxidative stress slightly enhancing retrograde transportation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Neuroinflammation acutely impairs axonal mitochondrial transportation, which would promote an inappropriate delivery of energy throughout axons and, by this way, contribute to axonal damage. Thus, preserving axonal mitochondrial transport might represent a promising avenue to exploit as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection in brain inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis.
In brain inflammatory diseases, axonal damage is one of the most critical steps in the cascade that leads to permanent disability. Thus, identifying the initial events triggered by inflammation or oxidative stress that provoke axonal damage is critical for the development of neuroprotective therapies. Energy depletion due to mitochondrial dysfunction has been postulated as an important step in the damage of axons. This prompted us to study the effects of acute inflammation and oxidative stress on the morphology, transport, and function of mitochondria in axons.
METHODS:
Mouse cerebellar slice cultures were challenged with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ex vivo for 24 h. Axonal mitochondrial morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial transportation by time-lapse imaging. In addition, mitochondrial function in the cerebellar slice cultures was analyzed through high-resolution respirometry assays and quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
RESULTS:
Both conditions promoted an increase in the size and complexity of axonal mitochondria evident in electron microscopy images, suggesting a compensatory response. Such compensation was reflected at the tissue level as increased respiratory activity of complexes I and IV and as a transient increase in ATP production in response to acute inflammation. Notably, time-lapse microscopy indicated that mitochondrial transport (mean velocity) was severely impaired in axons, increasing the proportion of stationary mitochondria in axons after LPS challenge. Indeed, the two challenges used produced different effects: inflammation mostly reducing retrograde transport and oxidative stress slightly enhancing retrograde transportation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Neuroinflammation acutely impairs axonal mitochondrial transportation, which would promote an inappropriate delivery of energy throughout axons and, by this way, contribute to axonal damage. Thus, preserving axonal mitochondrial transport might represent a promising avenue to exploit as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection in brain inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis.