2024/05/17

Recognition of Naroa Goikoetxea's research at the First CIBER Youth Symposium

Researcher Naroa Goikoetxea from CIC bioGUNE was recognized at the CIBER Conference for her innovative research on cholestatic liver diseases.
The study identified a new therapeutic approach by targeting Cyclin M4 to restore magnesium homeostasis and reduce hepatic inflammation.

During the First Conference for Young Scientific Personnel of CIBER, held from May 8th to 10th in Vigo, postdoctoral researcher Naroa Goikoetxea from the Liver Disease group at CIC bioGUNE - a member of BRTA - led by Malu Martínez-Chantar, was recognized for her contribution to liver disease research.

The event, which brought together researchers from the 13 areas of the Biomedical Research Networking Center (CIBER), served as a platform for collaborative project presentations, discussions on cross-cutting themes such as patient involvement in research, and the application of artificial intelligence in the field of study, as well as inspiring sessions on career paths and presentations by outstanding young professionals.

The research presented by Dr. Goikoetxea focused on cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), whose underlying cause is still unknown. During the study, changes in magnesium (Mg2+) balance, a crucial element in multiple enzymatic reactions, were identified. Cyclin M4 (CNNM4) was identified as a key regulator of this balance, whose overexpression was associated with cholestasis. The application of therapy targeting CNNM4 showed promising therapeutic effects by restoring Mg2+ balance, resulting in reduced inflammation and liver fibrosis in animal models, suggesting a possible new therapeutic approach to address these complex liver diseases.

This achievement highlights the commitment and excellence of CIC bioGUNE researchers in advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies to address complex liver diseases.

About CIBER
The Consortium of Biomedical Network Research Centres (CIBER) is a public research consortium created on the initiative of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III / Carlos III Health Institute, of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, to further research of excellence in biomedicine and health sciences conducted within the National Health System and the Science and Technology System. The scientific programme of the CIBER is organised around 13 thematic areas of research, including the area of Liver Diseases (CIBEREHD) and Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM).

About CIC bioGUNE
The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organisation conducting cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cell biology, with a particular focus on generating knowledge on the molecular bases of disease, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About BRTA
BRTA is an alliance of 4 collaborative research centres (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE y CIC energiGUNE) and 13 technology centres (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Leartiker, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker y Vicomtech) with the main objective of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque corporate fabric.

With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group and the Provincial Councils of the three territories, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration between the research centres, strengthen the conditions to generate and transfer knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness and outspreading the Basque scientific-technological capacity abroad.

BRTA has a workforce of 3,500 professionals, executes 22% of the Basque Country's R&D investment, registers an annual turnover of more than 300 million euros and generates 100 European and international patents per year.

Spanish version