Dra. Zamira Vanessa Diaz Riascos

I obtained the degree of Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain) in 2007. Also, in the same year I obtained the title of Official Master's Degree in Advanced Genetics from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. During my PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Gabriel Capellà (ICO-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain), I implanted an orthotopic mouse model, perpetuating human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues. I gained a strong understanding of mouse surgery with considerable experience including: handling of clinical human samples, processing of samples derived from mouse models, and data analysis. My project focused on a molecular biology study characterizing the most frequent genes involved in this type of tumor. In addition, during my PhD I investigated the role of microRNAs, the miR-200 family, and ZEBs in PDAC primary tumors, patient-derived xenografts, and in cells that overexpress miR-200 by lentivirus transduction. I did an 11-month stay at the “Centre de recherches en cancerologie” of Toulouse, Inserm-Université Toulouse, France, under the supervision of Dr. Pierre Cordelier. Where I was trained to produce lentivirus, development of experiments with cell cultures and Western Blot analysis. Since 2016, I have been in the area of Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR) and I am currently responsible for the in vivo section, I also have a postdoctoral position in the Drug Delivery and Targeting group led by Dr. Abasolo. I have participated in multiple projects international and national studies using animal models for the validation of new therapeutic targets and new components of nanomedicine for cancer therapy. I recently participated in the development of the preclinical part of the Nocanther project, where magnetic hyperthermia in combination with chemotherapy was studied in a mouse model for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. Nocanther is currently in the clinical phase. In addition, in these last 5 years, I have gained great experience in the field of lysosomal diseases, such as Fabry disease. In this case, I have studied the liposomes and extracellular vesicles as transport agents for the enzyme absent in this disease (GLA). I have carried out studies on the toxicity, biodistribution and efficacy of these nanoparticles in a GLA-deficient mouse model, obtaining published results. I am currently managing and maintaining a colony of transgenic mice. I also participate in a European project (Mimickey) that studies the disease of pycnodysosotosis (cathesin deficiency).
In addition, I have extensive experience in experimental imaging models and functional applications of bioluminescent or fluorescent non-invasive optical imaging. Work under ISO9001 conditions.