0000-0002-5856-9377Luis Alfonso Martínez de la Cruz obtained his BSc in Chemistry from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and continued his scientific pursuits by completing his PhD in Chemistry at Autonomous University of Madrid and Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano, CSIC, Madrid.
In 1997, Dr. Martínez de la Cruz moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where he undertook his first postdoctoral stage focused on Proteins Crystallography in the laboratory headed by Wolfgang Kabsch and Kenneth Holmes at the Biophysics Department of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. He later received a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Sung-Hou Kim´s laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley, USA, funded by MEC/Fulbright and the Department of Chemistry, to conduct research in Biochemistry and Structural Biology. In 2000, Dr. Martínez de la Cruz returned to the University of Navarra, CIMA, as a Postdoctoral Researcher. By 2001, he had become an Associate Research Scientist.
In 2005, Dr. Martínez de la Cruz joined CIC bioGUNE, where he led the Structural Biology Unit until 2020. At that time, he became an Associate Principal Investigator in the Liver Disease Lab, headed by Dr. Malu Martínez-Chantar. His research continues to focus on the structural-functional relationships of enzymes involved in reverse transsulfuration, hydrogen sulfide production and cellular magnesium transport, and their implications in rare pathologies, cancer, and bacterial/fungal multidrug-resistant pathogen infections. Since 2019, he has been an associate professor at the School of Medicine of the University of Deusto, Bilbao.
Awards & recognitions
MEC Fullbright Postdoctoral Fellowship (1997-1999). NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship (1997).
Collaborations
ML Tremblay (Mc Gill, Montreal). D. Müller (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin). J Hoenderop (Radboudumc, Netherlands). T Majtan (Univ. Fribourg). A. Astegno (Univ. Verona). D. Buccela, NYU, USA. DW. Al-Sadeq & Gheyath Nasrallah (Qatar University). Drita Siliqi (Univ. Bari, Italy). G. Jiménez-Osés, U. Marigorta and ML Martínez-Chantar (CIC bioGUNE). I Díaz Moreno (CSIC, Univ. Sevilla). I Quintana (IK4-TEKNIKER). A. Cabrera (HIPOFAM patients association).
Latest Publications
2023
2021
The Liver Disease Lab's research primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases, with a special emphasis on the role of methionine metabolism and post-translational modifications in liver function and pathology.
The general research objective is to elucidate the biochemical and genetic pathways that contribute to liver disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. By studying these mechanisms, the group aims to develop targeted therapies and diagnostic tools that can effectively prevent, manage, or treat these liver conditions. Their work integrates basic biochemical research with translational studies to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, ultimately improving patient outcomes in liver diseases.
The Liver Disease Lab has established four innovative research domains, including two previously unexplored areas. These advancements have markedly enhanced our understanding of liver metabolism, physiology, and disease.
Research line 1: Post-translational modifications
Particularly NEDDylation and SUMOylation, exploring how these modifications regulate metabolic pathways in liver disease, resulting in significant publications and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Research line 2: Mitochondrial activity
Investigating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in liver disease, which affects cell energy metabolism and has implications for conditions like NAFLD and liver cancer.
Research line 3: Glutamine metabolism
Focusing on how glutamine metabolism and ammonium production impact liver disease progression from NAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Research line 4: Metallomics
Studying the metabolism of elements like magnesium and ammonium, identifying their roles in liver function and disease, leading to innovative therapeutic approaches.
The laboratory has developed new biological tools, preclinical animal models, and therapeutic strategies, resulting in patented innovations and robust translational research aimed at clinical application.
Collaborations
Dr. Martinez-Chantar's lab collaborated with international companies, including JD Biosciences, SILENCE Therapeutics, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, on liver disorder treatments, and initiated partnerships with Tekniker and Gaiker for the development of low-cost point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, as well as with Histocell for cell therapy in liver disease. She boasts an extensive network of collaborators both nationally and internationally, see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=martinez-chantar&size=200
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Group Leader
Malu Martínez-Chantar
RESEARCH ASSISTANT -
Irene González Recio
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Teresa Cardoso
Ramón y Cajal (RyC) Programme POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER -
Carolina Conter
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Naroa Goikoetxea
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Álvaro Eguileor Giné
TECHNICIANS / DOCTORAL CANDIDATES -
Claudia Gil Pitarch
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Leidy Estefanía Zapata Pavas
AECC Predoctoral Fellow -
Arantza Sanz Parra
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Patricia Peña San Felix
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Jon Ander Barrenechea Barrenechea
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Begoña Rodríguez Iruretagoyena
Members
Latest Publications
The lipopolysaccharide-TLR4 axis regulates hepatic glutaminase 1 expression promoting liver ammonia build-up as steatotic liver disease progresses to steatohepatitis
Mercado-Gómez, M; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Kerbert, AJC; Gracianteparaluceta, LU; Serrano-Macía, M; Lachiondo-Ortega, S; Rodriguez-Agudo, R; Gil-Pitarch, C; Simón, J; González-Recio, I; Fondevila, ...
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
2024-09-01
Neddylation inhibition prevents acetaminophen-induced liver damage by enhancing the anabolic cardiolipin pathway.
Gil-Pitarch, Claudia; Serrano-Macia, Marina; Simon, Jorge; Mosca, Laura; Conter, Carolina; Rejano-Gordillo, Claudia M; Zapata-Pavas, L Estefania; Pena-Sanfelix, Patricia; Azkargorta, Mikel; ...
Cell reports. Medicine
2024-07-16
Phosphorylation at the disordered N-end makes HuR accumulate and dimerize in the cytoplasm
Baños-Jaime, B; Corrales-Guerrero, L; Pérez-Mejias, G; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Velázquez-Campoy, A; Martínez-Cruz, LA; Martínez-Chantar, ML; de la Rosa, MA; Díaz-Moreno, I;
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
2024-07-05
Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein enhances MASLD progression via the ERK/TNFα/NFκβ pathway
Novoa, E; Lima, ND; Gonzalez-Rellan, MJ; Chantada-Vazquez, MDP; Verheij, J; Rodriguez, A; Esquinas-Roman, EM; Fondevila, MF; Koning, M; Fernandez, U; Cabaleiro, A; Parracho, T; Iglesias-Moure, ...
HEPATOLOGY
2024-05-16
Proceedings of the 5th Meeting of Translational Hepatology, organized by the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH).
Alvarado-Tapias, Edilmar; Maya-Miles, Douglas; Albillos, Agustin; Aller, Rocio; Ampuero, Javier; Andrade, Raul J; Arechederra, Maria; Aspichueta, Patricia; Banales, Jesus M; Blas-Garcia, Ana; ...
Gastroenterologia y hepatologia
2024-05-07
Targeting hepatic stellate cells to combat liver fibrosis: where do we stand?
Breitkopf-Heinlein, K; Martinez-Chantar, ML;
GUT
2024-04-24
Catalytic specificity and crystal structure of cystathionine γ-lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pedretti, M; Fernandez-Rodriguez, C; Conter, C; Oyenarte, I; Favretto, F; di Matteo, A; Dominici, P; Petrosino, M; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Majtan, T; Astegno, A; Martinez-Cruz, LA;
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
2024-04-23
Neddylation orchestrates the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program that drives Schwann cell myelination
Ayuso-García, P; Sánchez-Rueda, A; Velasco-Avilés, S; Tamayo-Caro, M; Ferrer-Pinós, A; Huarte-Sebastian, C; Alvarez, V; Riobello, C; Jiménez-Vega, S; Buendia, I; Cañas-Martin, J; Fernández-Susavila, ...
SCIENCE ADVANCES
2024-04-12
Biochemical and structural impact of two novel missense mutations in cystathionine β- synthase gene associated with homocystinuria
Al-Sadeq, DW; Conter, C; Thanassoulas, A; Al-Dewik, N; Safieh-Garabedian, B; Martínez-Cruz, LA; Nasrallah, GK; Astegno, A; Nomikos, M;
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
2024-04-02
SUMOylation controls Hu antigen R posttranscriptional activity in liver cancer
Lachiondo-Ortega, S; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Simon, J; Lopitz-Otsoa, F; Delgado, TC; Mazan-Mamczarz, K; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Zapata-Pavas, LE; García-del Río, A; Guerra, P; Peña-Sanfélix, ...
CELL REPORTS
2024-03-26
Effect of Gracilaria vermiculophylla Macroalga on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Rats
González-Arceo, M; Aguirre, L; Macarulla, MT; Gil-Pitarch, C; Martínez-Chantar, ML; Portillo, MP; Gómez-Zorita, S;
ANTIOXIDANTS
2024-03-01
p63 controls metabolic activation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrosis via an HER2-ACC1 pathway
Fondevila, MF; Novoa, E; Gonzalez-Rellan, MJ; Fernandez, U; Heras, V; Porteiro, B; Parracho, T; Dorta, V; Riobello, C; Lima, ND; Seoane, S; Garcia-Vence, M; Chantada-Vazquez, MP; Bravo, SB; ...
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
2024-02-20
Anti-miR-873-5p improves alcohol-related liver disease by enhancing hepatic deacetylation via SIRT1
Rodríguez-Agudo, R; González-Recio, I; Serrano-Maciá, M; Bravo, M; Petrov, P; Blaya, D; Herranz, JM; Mercado-Gómez, M; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Lachiondo-Ortega, S; Gil-Pitarch, C; Azkargorta, M; ...
JHEP REPORTS
2024-01-01
Mitochondrial dysfunction-associated microbiota establishes a transmissible refractory response to anti-TNF therapy during ulcerative colitis
Peña-Cearra, A; Castelo, J; Lavín, JL; Gonzalez-Lopez, M; Pascual-Itoiz, MA; Fuertes, M; de Juan, VG; Bárcena, L; Martín-Ruiz, I; Pellón, A; Seoane, I; Barriales, D; Palacios, A; Fullaondo, ...
GUT MICROBES
2023-12-18
Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensors Illuminate Cellular Magnesium Imbalance in a Model of Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury
Brady, M; Shchepetkina, VI; González-Recio, I; Martínez-Chantar, ML; Buccella, D;
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
2023-10-02
Identification and experimental validation of druggable epigenetic targets in hepatoblastoma
Claveria-Cabello, A; Herranz, JM; Latasa, MU; Arechederra, M; Uriarte, I; Pineda-Lucena, A; Prosper, F; Berraondo, P; Alonso, C; Sangro, B; Marin, JJG; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Ciordia, S; Corrales, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2023-10-01
Neddylation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 controls glucose metabolism
Gonzalez-Rellan, MJ; Fernández, U; Parracho, T; Novoa, E; Fondevila, MF; Lima, ND; Ramos, L; Rodríguez, A; Serrano-Maciá, M; Perez-Mejias, G; Chantada-Vazquez, P; Riobello, C; Veyrat-Durebex, ...
CELL METABOLISM
2023-09-05
The outcome of boosting mitochondrial activity in alcohol-associated liver disease is organ-dependent
Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Bravo, M; Egia-Mendikute, L; Abecia, L; Serrano-Maciá, M; Urdinguio, RG; Clos-García, M; Rodríguez-Agudo, R; Araujo-Legido, R; López-Bermudo, L; Delgado, TC; Lachiondo-Ortega, ...
HEPATOLOGY
2023-09-01
Hepatocyte-specific O-GlcNAc transferase downregulation ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by improving mitochondrial function
Gonzalez-Rellan, MJ; Parracho, T; Heras, V; Rodriguez, A; Fondevila, MF; Novoa, E; Lima, N; Varela-Rey, M; Senra, A; Chantada-Vazquez, MDP; Ameneiro, C; Bernardo, G; Fernandez-Ramos, D; Lopitz-Otsoa, ...
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
2023-09-01
Dissecting the role of the NADPH oxidase NOX4 in TGF-beta signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Espinosa-Sotelo, R; Fusté, NP; Peñuelas-Haro, I; Alay, A; Pons, G; Almodóvar, X; Albaladejo, J; Sánchez-Vera, I; Bonilla-Amadeo, R; Dituri, F; Serino, G; Ramos, E; Serrano, T; Calvo, M; Martínez-Chantar, ...
REDOX BIOLOGY
2023-09-01