Cinvestav Researcher 3D Cell Biology, PhD (1990), Cinvestav National Research System: Level III Telephone: +52 (55) 5061-3329 Lab: +52 (55) 57473800 ext-5022 mmeraz@cinvestav.mx

Our research group, work with cellular and molecular aspects related to chronic-degenerative diseases, in particular, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and cervical cancer. We are focused on the study of the role that amyloid beta peptide (Aß) plays in the development of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Aß(1-42) is the molecule that forms deposits in the brain in AD patients. These deposits called neurotic plaques are one of the histopathological markers of AD and together with Tau molecule, are closely related to the development of dementia. Therefore, we are interested in knowing what factors induce their oligomerization and altered functions. In addition, we are working in the search for new drugs and their molecular mechanisms that inhibit aggregation and diminish the cognitive impairment and can be use as therapeutic agents against this disease.

Recently, we started the study of another variant of Alzheimer's disease, the Familiar Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD). This variant is characterized by being inheritable and is associated with mutations in three genes, all involved in the processing and production of A, such as: Presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN 1 and 2), as well as the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP). We have performed the genomic, molecular, and proteomic characterization of ecto-mesenchymal cell lines derived from individuals who carry the PSEN1 mutation (A431E). This mutation named Jalisco mutation, causes FAD in individuals between 48 and 50 years. Currently, we are interested in learning about the mechanisms of genetic, metabolic, and proteomic regulation that are altered as a consequence of this mutation. In particular, the deregulation of microRNAs and the participation of chaperone proteins involved in the folding and processing of the cellular proteins. In addition, we are also interested in studying the differentiation mechanisms that are altered in the mutation-carrying mesenchymal stem cells and integrate all of these processes to the neurodegeneration and dementia mechanisms associated with the disease. Finally, we are collaborating with several research groups who are leaders in the development of nanomaterials, generating new nanostructures that favor the induction of in vitro differentiation towards specific neural lineages, with the idea to developing new cell therapy strategies.

Another of the chronic degenerative diseases we studied in our research group is cancer. We have a strong collaboration with other research groups working at the Institute of Cancerology, the National Medical Center: 21st Century, the UNAM, The National Polythecnic Institute (IPN), among others, and we currently are studying the molecules involved in the chemo sensitivity of cell lines derived from cervical cancer tumors, as well as new effecting molecules that improve sensitivity to chemotherapy in colon cancer.

Research Lines

1. The study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
2. The study of the participation of the genetics of human populations in the development of Chronic-Degenerative diseases.
3. The analysis of the mechanisms involved in neural differentiation and the characterization of the participation of brain microenvironments.
4. The development of cell and animal models for the study of Alzheimer's Disease.
5. The effect of Amyloid Beta oligomers on neuronal differentiation and toxicity.
6. The characterization and effect of secreted factors by isolated precursor cells from the hippocampus on the neurogenic process of human ecto-mesenchymal stem cells.
7. The evaluation of the effects of Cholesterol levels on APP metabolism and Aß production.
8. The developing new diagnostics and cellular/gene therapies, though the isolation and growth of multi-potent mesenchymal stem cells from FAD.
9. The study of new molecular markers associated with chemo sensitivity in cervical cancer.
10. The analysis of new therapeutic alternatives derived from natural products.

Colaborators