0000-0002-6446-9911Malu Martínez-Chantar obtained her BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Madrid and continued her scientific pursuits by completing her PhD in the Institute of Biomedical Research of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Faculty of Medicine at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
From 1997 to 2000, Dr. Martínez-Chantar undertook two postdoctoral fellowships, initially at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and subsequently at the Department of Nutrition at the University of Berkeley, California, USA. In 2000, she joined the Ramón y Cajal researcher program at the Ministry of Science and Innovation, working in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Navarra, Pamplona. She was later appointed as the principal investigator in the Department of Hepatology at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA).
In 2005, Dr. Martínez-Chantar joined CIC bioGUNE as a Group Leader, leading the Liver Disease Lab. Her research focuses primarily on molecular hepatology, emphasizing the study of liver disease mechanisms and potential treatments. Specializing in methionine metabolism, the group investigates the role of methionine adenosyl transferase in liver function, its implications for liver health including cellular redox states, and its connections to conditions like fibrosis and cancer. Additionally, they explore molecular pathways involved in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Informed by postdoctoral research in nutritional biochemistry at the University of Berkeley, their studies also examine how dietary factors impact liver health and disease progression. Furthermore, the group investigates redox biology mechanisms such as oxidative stress and redox signaling in liver disease and regeneration. Operating from CIC bioGUNE, they integrate basic research with clinical applications, aiming to translate findings into improved treatments for liver diseases through comprehensive scientific exploration and practical application.
Dr. Martinez-Chantar has published over 70 papers in high-visibility journals such as Cell Metabolism, Journal of Hepatology, and Hepatology. She has secured funding from national and international agencies, including the Ministry of Economy Science and Competitiveness, La Caixa Foundation, and projects like E-Rare, and has driven research transfer through initiatives like La Caixa Impulse and Basel Launch. As a principal investigator for the Spanish Association Against Cancer's Coordinated Project, she focused on precision medicine for hepatoblastoma. She has enhanced liver research visibility through networks like CIBEREHD, Women in Hepatology, and various European COST and Spanish Networks. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of liver disease, metabolism, and therapeutic interventions.
Awards & recognitions
During 2021-2024, Dr. Martinez-Chantar's lab achieved significant milestones. She has successfully transferred knowledge to pharmaceutical companies and conducted clinical studies in collaboration with hospitals, obtained five patents with two licensed to Gibela Therapeutics GmbH, established Mitotherapeutix LLC in the USA, and founded Gibela Therapeutics as part of the Basel Launch initiative. She has conducted ongoing preclinical studies with Oncomatryx and OWL for developing diagnostics and therapies for liver disease. Additionally, she serves on the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for national and international research centers, international companies, and the CIBER for Liver and Digestive Diseases. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Ikerbasque Woman in Science Prize in 2022.
Latest Publications
2025
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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Alfonso Martínez de la Cruz
RESEARCH ASSISTANT -
Irene González Recio
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER -
Naroa Goikoetxea
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Giselle Adriana Abruzzese
MSCA-PF -
Carolina Conter
TECHNICIANS / DOCTORAL CANDIDATES -
Carlos Díaz Cuevas
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Eleonora Davoli
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Leidy Estefanía Zapata Pavas
AECC Predoctoral Fellow -
Arantza Sanz Parra
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Jon Ander Barrenechea Barrenechea
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Begoña Rodríguez Iruretagoyena
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Patricia Peña San Felix
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Nerea Ferreiro Garcia
Members
Associate Principal InvestigatorLatest Publications
Hepatic HuR modulates glucose metabolism through the C/EBPβ/PCK1 pathway
Lachiondo-Ortega, S; González-Recio, I; Bravo, M; Gonzalez-Rellan, MJ; Sanz-Parra, A; Porteiro, B; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Peña-Sanfélix, P; Conter, ...
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
2026-05-26
When the clock breaks: H2S as a link between night shift work and metabolic health
Conter, C; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Zhou, R; Abruzzese, G; González-Recio, I; Ferreiro, N; Davoli, E; Peña-Sanfélix, P; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Azkargorta, M; Elortza, F; Moreno-Torres, M; Jover, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Hepatic CNNM1 mediates metabolic and epigenetic adaptation to inverted feeding in night-shift worker models
Conter, C; Abruzzese, G; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; González-Recio, I; Davoli, E; Pietrafesa, D; Perbellini, E; Navarro-Corcuera, A; Consuegra, JG; Ferreiro, N; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Peña-Sanfélix, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Role of CNNM1 in magnesium homeostasis and hepatocellular dysfunction during aging
Peña-Sanfélix, P; Zapata-Pavas, LE; González-Recio, I; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Martínez-Chantar, ML; Martinez-Cruz, LA; Luque, RM; Gil-Duque, I;
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 inhibition in hepatic stellate cells drives their activation and enhances liver fibrosis
Parracho, T; Dorta, V; Fondevila, M; Iglesias-Moure, J; Roibello, C; Martínez-Martínez, S; Novoa, E; Ramos-Lage, L; Rellan, MJG; Porteiro, B; Senra, A; Cabaleiro, A; Lanza-Arnaiz, JM; Buque, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Liver-specific CNNM4 silencing alleviates fibrosis by restoring bile acids homeostasis in cholestatic preclinical models and human liver slices
Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Asensio, M; González-Recio, I; Simon, J; Serrano-Maciá, M; Romero, M; de Blas, BS; Andres-Rozas, M; Martínez-Alcocer, A; Schaeper, U; Milkiewicz, M; Milkiewicz, P; ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Resmetirom ameliorates fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells via thyroid hormone receptor alpha-fatty-acid-amide hydrolase 1 signalling pathway
Cabaleiro, A; Novoa, E; López-Picallo, B; Lima, N; Roibello, C; Pena, C; Iglesias-Moure, J; Senra, A; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Fernández-Iglesias, A; Gracia-Sancho, J; Bravo, S; Dieguez, C; Varela-Rey, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Surfaceome mapping of human hepatocytes uncovers proteome dynamics in steatotic hepatocytes
Delgado, MF; Gracianteparaluceta, LLU; Suárez, MU; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Montero, JD; Delgado, TC;
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Nutritional distress-dependent regulation of cyclin M1 modulates insulin sensitivity via an FGF21-mediated mechanism
Barrenechea-Barrenechea, JA; González-Recio, I; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Lachiondo-Ortega, S; Delgado, TC; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Ferreiro, N; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Peña-Sanfélix, P; Martin, CA; ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Estrogen deficiency-induced hepatic steatosis confers protection against drug-induced liver injury via NRF2 activation: implications for postmenopausal liver health
Consuegra, JG; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Aparisi, AS; Martin, AG; González-Recio, I; Navarro-Corcuera, A; Andrade, RJ; Lucena, MI; Grumati, P; Dear, JW; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Cogliati, S;
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
CAND1 as a novel therapeutic target in pediatric hepatoblastoma: linking NEDDylation to tumor progression
Zapata-Pavas, LE; Davoli, E; Asensio, M; Peña-Sanfélix, P; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; González-Recio, I; Conter, C; Murti, A; Lelou, E; del Rio-Alvarez, A; Sancho-Bru, P; Xirodimas, D; Wang, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Hepatocyte-specific CNNM4 silencing alleviates liver injury in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Ferreiro, N; Consuegra, JG; Conter, C; Navarro-Corcuera, A; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Mercado, M; Barrenechea-Barrenechea, JA; Khodayari, N; Oshins, R; Brantly, M; Strnad, P; González-Recio, I; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, ...
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
2026-05-01
Pharmacological strategies to enhance the response of hepatoblastoma to chemotherapy through MDR1 inhibition
Cives-Losada, C; Macias, RIR; Lozano, E; Zanatto, L; Sancho-Bru, P; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Avila, MA; Armengol, C; Cairo, S; Marin, JJG; Briz, O;
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
2026-04-23
Inhibition of the SerpinB3/protease-activated receptor 2 axis reduces liver cancer development and affects lipid metabolism
Guerra, P; Villano, G; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Gil-Pitarch, C; Ruvoletto, M; Biasiolo, A; Quarta, S; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Peña-SanFelix, P; González-Recio, I; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Barrenechea-Barrenechea, ...
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
2026-04-22
Lack of PCK1 in hepatic stellate cells causes liver fibrosis by fueling tricarboxylic acid cycle and increasing glycolysis
Novoa, E; Parracho, T; Inderhees, J; Rodriguez, A; Riobello, C; Iglesias-Moure, J; Fernández-Iglesias, A; Martinez-Martinez, S; Senra, A; Seoane, S; Fondevila, M; Iglesias, C; Cabaleiro, A; ...
CELL METABOLISM
2026-04-07
Lipidomics uncovers metabolic manifestations related to liver steatosis and low-grade systemic inflammation in diet-treated hereditary fructose intolerance patients
de las Heras, J; Suarez, MU; Mercado-Gómez, M; Gracianteparaluceta, LU; Buqué, X; Alonso, C; Serrano-Macia, M; Alcalde, C; Cano, A; González-Recio, I; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Mora, E; Belanger-Quintana, ...
CLINICAL NUTRITION
2026-04-01
Trefoil Factor-3 Is a Hypoxia-Triggered Pro-Tumorigenic Factor in Hepatoblastoma
Martínez-Pérez, LA; Latasa, MU; Uriarte, I; López-Pascual, A; Elurbide, J; Strnad, P; Frankova, S; Sticova, E; Fabian, O; Arechederra, M; Santamaria, E; Argemi, J; Sangro, B; Foglia, B; Parola, ...
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
2026-03-13
Redox regulation meets metabolism: targeting PRDX2 to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma
Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Conter, C;
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
2025-12-21
Identification of Circulating MiR-4651 as Novel Biomarker for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Kirchmeyer, M; Gaigneaux, A; Servais, FA; Arslanow, A; Rubie, C; Casper, M; Glanemann, M; Martinez-Chantar, ML; Krawczyk, M; Lammert, F; Behrmann, I;
GASTRO HEP ADVANCES
2025-12-10
Role of CNNM4 in the progression of cholangiocarcinoma: implications for ferroptosis and therapeutic potential
Mercado-Gómez , M; Goikoetxea-Usandizaga, N; Giné, AE; Rodrigo, MAM; Afonso, MB; Azkargorta, M; Zapata-Pavas, LE; Rejano-Gordillo, CM; Romero, MR; Mendizabal, I; Rodrigues, PM; Wu, HH; Rodríguez-Agudo, ...
GUT
2025-08-05