Dr. Josep Villena

I obtained a degree in Biological Sciences by the University of Barcelona, where I also earned my PhD in Biology. The work of my PhD thesis focused on the identification of the transcription factors involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. From 1999 to 2000, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Rangueil University Hospital/CNRS (Toulouse, France) to investigate the role of adipose precursor cells on the immune function. In 2000, I moved to the University of California (Berkeley, USA). There, my work was dedicated to unveil the mechanisms involved in the differentiation and function of adipose cells and their impact on body weight and glucose homeostasis. The results of my work contributed to elucidate the function of Pref-1 as an inhibitor of adipogenesis and the identification of a new triglyceride lipase (Desnutrin/ATGL). In 2004. I joined The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, USA) as a research associate, where I worked on the role of Estrogen-Related Receptors in the control of mitochondrial biogenesis and the thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue. In 2007, after being awarded a “Ramon y Cajal” researcher position, I joined VHIR as a principal investigator. Since then, I lead the Laboratory of Metabolism and Obesity, integrated within the Unit of Diabetes and Metabolism. The most recent research of my team has allowed to precisely define the role of PGC-1s co-activators on adipose tissue mitochondrial biogenesis in response to anti-diabetic drugs or nutritional interventions, such a caloric restriction. Moreover, our work on cardiac metabolism in the context of diabetes led to the identification of ERRgamma as a factor potentially involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our current research lines focus on the identification of the factors driving the resolution of obesity-associated meta-inflammation, which is considered to be at the origin of most of the comorbidities associated with this metabolic disease.

As a principal investigator, I have led numerous research projects funded by public (MINECO, MICINN) and private (La Marató de TV3, Fundació La Caixa) funding bodies. Among others, I currently coordinate OBESIMM, an international multicentric study aimed at defining the effects that intermittent feeding has on inflammation and the immune function of obese individuals. I am also a member of ADIPOBROAD, a national network of research groups for the study of adipose tissue plasticity and its impact on human health, as well as a member of the Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, where I coordinate the study group on Metabolic Regulation and Nutrition.