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Investigación
Bacterial Genetics
Líneas de investigación
Content with Investigacion .
Bacterial Genetics
Our group has been studying for more than 30 years the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn). Our objectives are to understand the molecular basis of antimicrobial action, to search for new targets of action and new compounds. Seconeolitsine (SCN) is one of these new compounds targeting topoisomerase I (Topo I). As for the search for new targets, our research has focused in recent years on the factors that organize the topology of the chromosome, allowing optimal compaction (about 1000-fold) to harmonize its replication, chromosome segregation and gene expression. This compaction is mediated both by the level of DNA supercoiling (Sc) and by association with nucleoid-binding proteins (NAPs). The level of Sc depends mainly on the enzymatic activities of their DNA topoisomerases, reaching a homeostatic equilibrium by the opposite activities of the topoisomerases that relax DNA (Topo I and Topo IV), and of gyrase, which introduces negative Sc. Our group has characterized the three Spn topoisomerases and two NAPs: HU and SatR. In addition, the availability of antimicrobials that inhibit each of the Spn topoisomerases has allowed us to analyze their transcriptome under conditions of local or global change of the Sc level and to define gene domains of coordinated transcription and similar functions. Fluoroquinolones, which inhibit Topo IV and gyrase, produce local changes in Sc that induce alterations in 6% of the transcriptome, altering metabolic pathways that originate an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to lethality, in accordance with the general mechanism of bactericidal antibiotics. On the other hand, the induction of global changes in Sc by novobiocin (NOV, gyrase inhibitor), or by SCN (Topo I inhibitor), has allowed us to define topological domains. Global changes in Sc include the regulation of topoisomerase genes: its decrease activates the transcription of gyrase genes (gyrA, gyrB) and inhibits those of Topo IV (parEC) and Topo I (topA); the increase in Sc regulates the expression of topA. Decreased Sc affects 37% of the genome, with >68% of genes clustered in 15 domains. Increased Sc affects 10% of the genome, with 25% of the genes clustered in 12 domains. The AT content in the genome correlates with the domains, being higher in UP domains than in DOWN domains. The genes in the different domains have common functional characteristics, indicating that they have been subjected to topological selective pressure to determine the location of genes involved in metabolism, virulence and competition.
The current objectives of the group are:
1. Identification of factors that stabilize chromosome topology: NAPs, ncRNAs, intra-chromosomal interactions.
2. Regulation of transcription in response to topological stress: in vivo localization of DNA topoisomerases, RNA polymerase and NAPs.
3. Topo I as a new antimicrobial target and action of SCN.
4. Design of antisense RNAs and use of the CRISPR system as new antibacterial agents.
Proyectos de investigación
Content with Investigacion .
1) Project Title: Interaction Between DNA Supercoiling and Transcription in the Human Pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Principal Investigator: Adela González de la Campa
Funding Entity: Ministry of Science and Innovation, State Research Agency (Call for "R&D&I Projects" 2020 – "Research Challenges" and "Knowledge Generation" Modalities).
Reference: PID2021-124738OB-100.
Duration: 2022-2025.
Funding Amount: €108,900.
2) Project Title: Study of the Factors Organizing the Chromosome of Streptococcus pneumoniae: New Antibiotic Targets and Resistance Mechanisms.
Principal Investigator: Adela González de la Campa
Funding Entity: Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness. State Research Agency.
Reference: BIO2017-82951-R.
Duration: 2018-2020.
Funding Amount: €169,400.
3) Project Title: Role of DNA Topoisomerases and Nucleoid-Associated Proteins in the Chromosome Organization of Streptococcus pneumoniae: Response to Antibiotics and Virulence.
Principal Investigator: Adela González de la Campa
Funding Entity: Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Secretariat of State for Research, Development, and Innovation.
Reference: BIO2014-55462.
Duration: 2015-2017.
Funding Amount: €193,600.
4) Project Title: The Control of Supercoiling Level in Streptococcus pneumoniae as an Antimicrobial Target.
Principal Investigator: Adela González de la Campa
Funding Entity: Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Secretariat of State for Research, Development, and Innovation.
Reference: BIO2011-25343.
Duration: 2012-2015.
Funding Amount: €209,000.
5) Project Title: Role of Small Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenicity of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Principal Investigator: Mónica Amblar Esteban
Funding Entity: Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Strategic Health Action (AES).
Reference: PI11/00656.
Duration: 2012-2015.
Funding Amount: €198,714.
Publicaciones destacadas
Human IgM Inhibits the Formation of Titan-Like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans
14: Trevijano-Contador N, Pianalto KM, Nichols CB, Zaragoza O, Alspaugh JA, Pirofski LA. Human IgM Inhibits the Formation of Titan-Like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Immun. 2020 Mar 23;88(4):e00046-20. PMCID: PMC7093138.
PUBMED DOIThe lymphocyte scavenger receptor CD5 plays a nonredundant role in fungal infection
15: Velasco-de-Andrés M, Català C, Casadó-Llombart S, Simões I, Zaragoza O, Carreras E, Lozano F. The lymphocyte scavenger receptor CD5 plays a nonredundant role in fungal infection. Cell Mol Immunol. 2020 Apr 24.
PUBMED DOIFirst Insight into the Genome Sequences of Two Linezolid-Resistant Nocardia farcinica Strains Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
2: Valdezate S, Monzón S, Garrido N, Zaballos A, Medina-Pascual MJ, Azcona-Gutiérrez JM, Vilar B, Cuesta I. First Insight into the Genome Sequences of Two Linezolid-Resistant Nocardia farcinica Strains Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Genome Announc. 2017 Nov 16;5(46).
PUBMED DOIApoptosis, Toll-like, RIG-I-like and NOD-like Receptors Are Pathways Jointly Induced by Diverse Respiratory Bacterial and Viral Pathogens.
3: Martínez I, Oliveros JC, Cuesta I, de la Barrera J, Ausina V, Casals C, de Lorenzo A, García E, García-Fojeda B, Garmendia J, González-Nicolau M, Lacoma A, Menéndez M, Moranta D, Nieto A, Ortín J, Pérez-González A, Prat C, Ramos-Sevillano E, Regueiro V, Rodriguez-Frandsen A, Solís D, Yuste J, Bengoechea JA, Melero JA. Apoptosis, Toll-like, RIG-I-like and NOD-like Receptors Are Pathways Jointly Induced by Diverse Respiratory Bacterial and Viral Pathogens. Front Microbiol. 2017 Mar 1;8:276
PUBMED DOIMolecular identification, antifungal resistance and virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus deneoformans isolated in Seville, Spain
Gago S, Serrano C, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Cuesta I, Martín-Mazuelos E, Aller AI, Gómez-López A, Mellado E. Molecular identification, antifungal resistance and virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus deneoformans isolated in Seville, Spain. Mycoses. 2017 Jan;60(1):40-50
PUBMED DOIHigh-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Babesia divergens, the Etiological Agent of Cattle and Human Babesiosis
7: Cuesta I, González LM, Estrada K, Grande R, Zaballos A, Lobo CA, Barrera J, Sanchez-Flores A, Montero E. High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Babesia divergens, the Etiological Agent of Cattle and Human Babesiosis. Genome Announc. 2014 Nov 13;2(6).
PUBMED DOISerum galactomannan-based early detection of invasive aspergillosis in hematology patients receiving effective antimold prophylaxis
8: Duarte RF, Sánchez-Ortega I, Cuesta I, Arnan M, Patiño B, Fernández de Sevilla A, Gudiol C, Ayats J, Cuenca-Estrella M. Serum galactomannan-based early detection of invasive aspergillosis in hematology patients receiving effective antimold prophylaxis. Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Dec 15;59(12):1696-702.
PUBMED DOIAnalysis of the protein domain and domain architecture content in fungi and its application in the search of new antifungal targets.
9: Barrera A, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martín MJ, Cuesta I, Vizcaíno JA. Analysis of the protein domain and domain architecture content in fungi and its application in the search of new antifungal targets. PLoS Comput Biol. 2014 Jul 17;10(7):e1003733.
PUBMED DOICryptococcus neoformans can form titan-like cells in vitro in response to multiple signals
2. Trevijano-Contador N, de Oliveira HC, García-Rodas R, Rossi SA, Llorente I, Zaballos Á, Janbon G, Ariño J, Zaragoza Ó. Cryptococcus neoformans can form titan-like cells in vitro in response to multiple signals. PLoS Pathog. 2018 May 18;14(5):e1007007.
PUBMED DOIReclassification of the Candida haemulonii complex as Candida haemulonii (C. haemulonii group I), C. duobushaemulonii sp. nov. (C. haemulonii group II), and C. haemulonii var. vulnera var. nov.: three multiresistant human pathogenic yeasts
4. Cendejas-Bueno E, Kolecka A, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Theelen B, Groenewald M, Kostrzewa M, Cuenca-Estrella M, Gómez-López A, Boekhout T. Reclassification of the Candida haemulonii complex as Candida haemulonii (C. haemulonii group I), C. duobushaemulonii sp. nov. (C. haemulonii group II), and C. haemulonii var. vulnera var. nov.: three multiresistant human pathogenic yeasts. J Clin Microbiol.
PUBMED DOIMolecular Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Molds Isolated in a Prospective Surveillance of Triazole Resistance in Spain (FILPOP2 Study).
5. Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Rivero-Menéndez O, Ayats J, Castro C, García-Rodríguez J, Goterris-Bonet L, Ibáñez-Martínez E, Linares-Sicilia MJ, Martin-Gomez MT, Martín-Mazuelos E, Pelaez T, Peman J, Rezusta A, Rojo S, Tejero R, Anza DV, Viñuelas J, Zapico MS, Cuenca-Estrella M; the FILPOP2 Project from GEMICOMED (SEIMC) and REIPI. Molecular Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Molds Isolated in a Prospective Surveillance of Triazole Resistance in Spain (FILPOP2 Study). Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Aug 27;62(9).
PUBMED DOIEvaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytokines as Biomarkers for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in At-Risk Patients
6. Gonçalves SM, Lagrou K, Rodrigues CS, Campos CF, Bernal-Martínez L, Rodrigues F, Silvestre R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Maertens JA, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Evaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytokines as Biomarkers for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in At-Risk Patients. Front Microbiol. 2017 Nov 29;8:2362.
PUBMED DOIPolymorphisms in Host Immunity-Modulating Genes and Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis: Results from the AspBIOmics Consortium
7. Lupiañez CB, Canet LM, Carvalho A, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Springer J, Lackner M, Segura-Catena J, Comino A, Olmedo C, Ríos R, Fernández-Montoya A, Cuenca-Estrella M, Solano C, López-Nevot MÁ, Cunha C, Oliveira-Coelho A, Villaescusa T, Fianchi L, Aguado JM, Pagano L, López-Fernández E, Potenza L, Luppi M, Lass-Flörl C, Loeffler J, Einsele H, Vazquez L; PCRAGA Study Group, Jurado M, Sainz J. Polymorphisms in Host Immunity-Modulating Genes and Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis: Results from the AspBIOmics Consortium. Infect Immun. 2015 Dec 14;84(3):643-57.
PUBMED DOICell Wall Changes in Amphotericin B-Resistant Strains from Candida tropicalis and Relationship with the Immune Responses Elicited by the Host.
9. Mesa-Arango AC, Rueda C, Román E, Quintin J, Terrón MC, Luque D, Netea MG, Pla J and Zaragoza O. Cell Wall Changes in Amphotericin B-Resistant Strains from Candida tropicalis and Relationship with the Immune Responses Elicited by the Host. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2016. 60(4):2326-35.
PUBMED DOIThe role of respiratory viruses in children with humoral immunodeficiency on immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Benavides-Nieto M, Méndez-Echevarría A, Del Rosal T, García-García ML, Casas I, Pozo F, de la Serna O, Lopez-Granados E, Rodriguez-Pena R, Calvo C. The role of respiratory viruses in children with humoral immunodeficiency on immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2019 Feb;54(2):194-199. Indice Impacto: 3,157. Revista en Q1.
PUBMED DOISeasonality and geographical spread of respiratory syncytial virus epidemics in 15 European countries, 2010 to 2016.
Broberg EK, Waris M, Johansen K, Snacken R, Penttinen P; European Influenza Surveillance Network. Seasonality and geographical spread of respiratory syncytial virus epidemics in 15 European countries, 2010 to 2016. Euro Surveill. 2018 Feb;23(5). Indice Impacto: 5,983. Revista en Decil 1
PUBMED DOIHuman Metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized children and comparison with other respiratory viruses in 2005-2014 prospective study.
García-García ML, Calvo C, Rey C, Díaz B, Molinero MD, Pozo F, Casas I. Human Metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized children and comparison with other respiratory viruses in 2005-2014 prospective study. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 16;12(3):e0173504. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173504. eCollection 2017. Indice Impacto: 2,766. Revista en Q1.
PUBMED DOIRespiratory Infections by Enterovirus D68 in Outpatients and Inpatients Spanish Children
Calvo C, Cuevas MT, Pozo F, García-García ML, Molinero M, Calderón A, Gonzalez-Esguevillas M, Pérez-Sautu U, Casas I. Respiratory Infections by Enterovirus D68 in Outpatients and Inpatients Spanish Children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2016 Jan;35(1):45-9.
PUBMED DOIClinical and Virologic Characteristics of Early and Moderate Preterm Infants Readmitted with Viral Respiratory Infections.
García-Garcia ML, González-Carrasco E, Quevedo S, Muñoz C, Sánchez-Escudero V, Pozo F, Casas I, Calvo C. Clinical and Virologic Characteristics of Early and Moderate Preterm Infants Readmitted with Viral Respiratory Infections. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2015 Jul;34(7):693-9. Indice Impacto: 2,587. Revista en Q1
PUBMED DOIEight Year Prospective Study of Adenoviruses Infections in Hospitalized Children. Comparison with Other Respiratory Viruses.
Calvo C, García-García ML, Sanchez-Dehesa R, Román C, Tabares A, Pozo F, Casas I. Eight Year Prospective Study of Adenoviruses Infections in Hospitalized Children. Comparison with Other Respiratory Viruses. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0132162. eCollection 2015. Indice Impacto: 3,057. Revista en Q1
PUBMED DOIInfluenza vaccine effectiveness in Spain 2013/14: subtype-specific early estimates using the cycEVA study
Jiménez-Jorge S, Pozo F, de Mateo S, Delgado-Sanz C, Casas I, García-Cenoz M, Castilla J, Sancho R, Etxebarriarteun-Aranzabal L, Quinones C, Martínez E, Vega T, Garcia A, Giménez J, Vanrell JM, Castrillejo D, Larrauri A, on behalf of the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISS). Influenza vaccine effectiveness in Spain 2013/14: subtype-specific early estimates using the cycEVA study. Euro Surveill. 2014 Mar 6;19(9). Indice Impacto: 5,722. Revista en Q1.
PUBMED DOIY155H amino acid substitution in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses does not confer a phenotype of reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors
Perez-Sautu U, Pozo F, Cuesta I, Monzon S, Calderon A, Gonzalez M, Molinero M, Lopez-Miragaya I, Rey S, Cañizares A, Rodriguez G, Gonzalez-Velasco C, Lackenby A, Casas I. Y155H amino acid substitution in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses does not confer a phenotype of reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors. Euro Surveill. 2014 Jul 10;19(27):14-20. Indice Impacto: 5,722. Revista en Q1
PUBMED DOICharacterization In Vitro and In Vivo of a Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus from a Fatal Case.
Rodriguez A, Falcon A, Cuevas MT, Pozo F, Guerra S, García-Barreno B, Martinez-Orellana P, Pérez-Breña P, Montoya M, Melero JA, Pizarro M, Ortin J, Casas I, Nieto A. Characterization In Vitro and In Vivo of a Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus from a Fatal Case. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53515. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053515. Epub 2013 Jan 10. Indice Impacto: 3,534. Revista en Q1
PUBMED DOIMycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes and predominant clones among the multidrug-resistant isolates in Spain 1998-2006
3. Samper S, Gavin P, Millan-Lou MI, Iglesias M.J. Jimenez MS. Spanish Working Group on MDR-TB, Covin D, Rastogi N. Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes and predominant clones among the multidrug-resistant isolates in Spain 1998-2006. Infec Genet Evol. 2017. Aug 5;55:117.
PUBMED DOIAntitubercular drugs for an old target: GSK693 as a promising inhA direct inhibitor.
5. Martinez-Hoyos M, Perez-Herran E, Gulten G, Encinas L, Alvarez-Gomez D, Alvarez E, Ferrer Bazaga S, Garcia-Perez A, Ortega F, Angulo-Bartures I, Rullas-Trincado J, Blanco Ruano D, Torres P, Castañeda P, Huss S, Fernandez R, Gonzalez del Valle S, Ballel L, Barros D, Modha S, Dhar N, Signorino-Gelo F, McKinney JD, Garcia-Bustos JF, Lavandera JL, Sacchettini JC, Jimenez MS, Martin-Casabona N, Castro-PIchel J, Mendoza-Losana A. Antitubercular drugs for an old target: GSK693 as a promising inhA direct inhibitor. EBioMedicine. 2016; 8:291-301
PUBMED DOIPediatric drug-resistant tuberculosis in Madrid family matters
7. Santiago B, Baquero-Artiago F, Mejias A, Blázquez D, Jimenez MS, Mellado-Peña MJ, EREMITA Study group. Pediatric drug-resistant tuberculosis in Madrid: family matters. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2014; 33:345-350.
PUBMED DOIMycobacterium kumamotonense, another Member of the Mycobacterium terrae Complex Unusually Carrying Two Copies of the Ribosomal RNA Operon
8. Menéndez MC, Jiménez MS, Yubero J, García MJ. Mycobacterium kumamotonense, another Member of the Mycobacterium terrae Complex Unusually Carrying Two Copies of the Ribosomal RNA Operon. Mycobac Dis; 2014; 4:176.
DOIMycobacterium mageritense meningitis in an immunocompetent patient with an intrathecal catheter.
9. Muñoz-Sanz A, Rodríguez Vidigal FF, Vera-Tome A, Jimenez MS. Mycobacterium mageritense meningitis in an immunocompetent patient with an intrathecal catheter. Enfer Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2013; 31:59-6
PUBMED DOIMeasles virus genotype D4 strains with non-standard length M-F non-coding region circulated during the major outbreaks of 2011-2012 in Spain.
2. Gil H, Fernández-García A*, Mosquera MM, Hübschen JM, Castellanos AM, de Ory F, Masa-Calles J, Echevarría JE.Measles virus genotype D4 strains with non-standard length M-F non-coding region circulated during the major outbreaks of 2011-2012 in Spain. PLoS One. 2018 Jul. 16;13(7):e0199975. * Corresponding author.
PUBMED DOIIsolation, antigenicity and immunogenicity of Lleida Bat Lyssavirus
3. Banyard AC, Selden D, Wu G; Thorne L, Jennings D, Marston D, Finke S, Freuling CM, Mueller T, Echevarria JE, Fooks AR. Isolation, antigenicity and immunogenicity of Lleida Bat Lyssavirus. Journal of General Virology, 2018. 99(12):1590-1599
PUBMED DOIShift within age-groups of mumps incidence, hospitalizations and severe complications in a highly vaccinated population
6. López-Perea N, Masa-Callesa J, Torres de Miera MV, Fernández-García A, Echevarría JE, de Ory F, Martínez de Aragón MV. Shift within age-groups of mumps incidence, hospitalizations and severe complications in a highly vaccinated population. Spain, 1998–2014. Vaccine, 2017, 35(34): 4339-4345.
PUBMED DOIThe Complexity of Antibody Responses Elicited against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Glycoproteins in Hospitalized Children Younger than 2 Years
2. Trento A, Rodriguez-Fernandez R, Gonzalez-Sanchez MI, Gonzalez-Martinez F, Mas V, Vazquez M, et al. The Complexity of Antibody Responses Elicited against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Glycoproteins in Hospitalized Children Younger than 2 Years. Front Microbiol. 2017;8:2301.
PUBMED DOIPotent single-domain antibodies that arrest respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein in its prefusion state.
3. Rossey I, Gilman MS, Kabeche SC, Sedeyn K, Wrapp D, Kanekiyo M, et al. Potent single-domain antibodies that arrest respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein in its prefusion state. Nat Commun. 2017;8:14158.
PUBMED DOIRapid profiling of RSV antibody repertoires from the memory B cells of naturally infected adult donors
6. Gilman MS, Castellanos CA, Chen M, Ngwuta JO, Goodwin E, Moin SM, et al. Rapid profiling of RSV antibody repertoires from the memory B cells of naturally infected adult donors. Sci Immunol. 2016;1(6).
PUBMED DOICharacterization of a Prefusion-Specific Antibody That Recognizes a Quaternary, Cleavage-Dependent Epitope on the RSV Fusion Glycoprotein.
8. Gilman MS, Moin SM, Mas V, Chen M, Patel NK, Kramer K, et al. Characterization of a Prefusion-Specific Antibody That Recognizes a Quaternary, Cleavage-Dependent Epitope on the RSV Fusion Glycoprotein. PLoS Pathog. 2015;11(7):e1005035.
PUBMED DOIContent with Investigacion .
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Adela González de la Campa
Scientific Investigator
ORCID code: 0000-0002-3598-2548
Dr. Adela González de la Campa obtained her degree in Biology in 1981 and her PhD in 1985 from the Complutense University of Madrid. She did her doctoral thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Miguel Vicente at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas of CSIC. Subsequently she worked for 2 years at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, USA in the laboratory of Sandford Lacks. After this postdoctoral stage in the USA, she worked for 3 years as a Reincorporation Fellow at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas of CSIC in the laboratory of Dr. Manuel Espinosa. He is a CSIC Senior Scientist since 1990 and Research Scientist since 2007. He participated as group leader of the CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES) from 2007 to 2015. Since 1990, she has been the principal investigator of the Bacterial Genetics Unit at the National Centre for Microbiology.
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María José Ferrándiz Avellano
Research Scientist
ORCID code: 0000-0003-1428-9506
Dr. María José Ferrández obtained her degree in Biology in 1990 and her PhD in 1997 from the Complutense University of Madrid. She completed her doctoral thesis at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas of CSIC in the laboratory of Dr. Miguel Vicente. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Centro Nacional de Microbiología of Instituto de Salud Carlos III (1998-2001 and 2003-2006) and at the Institute of Infection and Immunity (University of Nottingham) from 2001- 2003. From 2007 to 2015, she participated as a researcher of the CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES). Since 2006, she is a Full Scientist at the National Microbiology Center of the ISCIII.
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Mónica Amblar Esteban
Research Scientist
ORCID code: 0000-0003-3530-615X
Dr. Mónica Amblar obtained her degree in Biology in 1993 and her PhD in 2000 from the Complutense University of Madrid. She did her doctoral thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Paloma López at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas of CSIC. Subsequently, she worked for 5 and half years at the Instituto de Tecnología Química e Biológica/Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras (Portugal) in the laboratory of Prof. Cecilia M. Arraiano. After this postdoctoral stage he rejoined the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del CSIC where he worked for 2 years as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Paloma López. Subsequently, he joined the National Microbiology Center of the ISCIII with a Ramón y Cajal contract and in 2010 he obtained a position as a Full Scientist at the same center.
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Noelia Martínez Montes
FP2 Technician
Technician in Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory from IES Moratalaz in 2019. Worked for 10 months as a Technician in the Emergency Laboratory at Reina Sofía University Hospital and for 1 year and 9 months in various laboratories at La Paz University Hospital. Since March 2023, has been working in our laboratory at the National Center for Microbiology of ISCIII under a Laboratory Technician contract within the Youth Guarantee Plan of the Community of Madrid.
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Laura Alfonso Alarcón
PhD student
ORCID code: 0000-0003-1560-1100
Degree in Biochemistry in 2020 from National University of Asunción (Paraguay). Master in Microbiology and Health in 2024 from Pais Vasco University (Spain). Stays in Paraguay in Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas and Hospital Nacional de Itaugua. She is actually a predoctoral student of the Microbiología y Parasitología program of Complutense University of Madrid, with a “Don Carlos Antonio López” (BECAL) fellowship from Paraguay Goverment.
List of staff
Información adicional
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human pathogen that, despite the development of vaccines, continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. We investigate the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium. On the one hand by identifying new therapeutic targets and on the other hand by investigating the molecular basis of the action of antibiotics already used in clinical practice (the fluoroquinolones levofloxacin and moxifloxacin) or not yet used (seconeolitsine). For this purpose, we used a multidisciplinary analysis involving genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics to understand the organization of the S. pneumoniae chromosome and the identification of the factors that stabilize this organization, including ncRNAs. Changes in the level of global supercoiling, either by inhibition of gyrase (decrease) or by inhibition of topoisomerase I (increase) alter the transcriptome. The modulated genes are located in domains, whose genes show specific functional characteristics. The aim is to identify new factors essential for S. pneumoniae physiology and to characterize transcriptional regulation in response to topological stress. In addition, RNA interference technology and CRISPR systems will be used as novel antibacterials. These studies will establish the bases for translational research aimed at the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pneumococcal diseases.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human pathogen that, despite the development of vaccines, continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. We investigate the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium. On the one hand by identifying new therapeutic targets and on the other hand by investigating the molecular basis of the action of antibiotics already used in clinical practice (the fluoroquinolones levofloxacin and moxifloxacin) or not yet used (seconeolitsine). For this purpose, we used a multidisciplinary analysis involving genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics to understand the organization of the S. pneumoniae chromosome and the identification of the factors that stabilize this organization, including ncRNAs. Changes in the level of global supercoiling, either by inhibition of gyrase (decrease) or by inhibition of topoisomerase I (increase) alter the transcriptome. The modulated genes are located in domains, whose genes show specific functional characteristics. The aim is to identify new factors essential for S. pneumoniae physiology and to characterize transcriptional regulation in response to topological stress. In addition, RNA interference technology and CRISPR systems will be used as novel antibacterials. These studies will establish the bases for translational research aimed at the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pneumococcal diseases.