LABORATORY OF BIOPHYSICS AND PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY

Research lines

Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal communication and how their dysregulation contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease. To this end, we study the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), three key players in the pathophysiology of this disease. Our approach is based on a central concept: the cell membrane is an active component that regulates essential processes underlying neuronal function, particularly nAChR activity and the mechanisms governing Aβ generation, membrane interactions, and aggregation. We aim to understand how the biophysical properties of membranes modulate these processes and influence cholinergic signaling and neurodegeneration. To this end, we employ model membrane systems and combine experimental biophysical approaches, including spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy, with in silico studies. This integration of methodologies enables us to investigate the fundamental mechanisms regulating cholinergic signaling and β-amyloid peptide aggregation from a multidisciplinary perspective.

In parallel, we work on the discovery and development of novel molecules with therapeutic potential for Alzheimer’s disease. In collaboration with chemical synthesis groups, we design and evaluate multitarget compounds capable of simultaneously acting on different molecular targets involved in the disease, including nAChR, AChE, and Aβ aggregation processes. Our aim is to enhance cholinergic signaling while interfering with the pathological mechanisms associated with disease progression.

In addition to this neuroscience research line, we have recently initiated a second research area focused on the identification, extraction, purification, and characterization of bioactive biomolecules from natural sources with potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnology industries. This line builds on the group’s expertise in the study of lipids and other biologically relevant biomolecules, extending this knowledge toward the valorization of biological resources and agro-industrial by-products as sources of functional compounds. Our studies focus on the isolation and characterization of nutritionally relevant lipids, molecules with antioxidant activity, and other bioactive metabolites. The application of analytical chemistry, chromatography, and sustainable extraction technologies allows us to explore new approaches for obtaining high-value-added natural ingredients and generating knowledge with potential for transfer to the productive sector.

The group maintains collaborations with national and international research teams, actively contributes to the training of undergraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers, and promotes an interdisciplinary approach integrating biophysics, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and computational biology. Through this multidisciplinary framework, we aim to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases while contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and biotechnological applications.