Lab Members

Our research team runs several related projects studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of axonal connections in the brain. In particular, our aim is to uncover the principles underlying thalamocortical axonal wiring, maintenance and ultimately the rewiring of connections, through an integrated experimental programme.

I have a lasting interest in intracellular signaling in the context of cell communication. Since I joined the lab in 2013, I have been collaborating in the study of thalamic network´s development under normal conditions as well as using experimental paradigms that trigger thalamic plasticity.

I am interested in deciphering the gene regulatory mechanisms involved in the control of neuronal specification. Since I arrived to the lab in 2023, I am combining advanced neuronal profiling approaches with established genetics paradigms in different model systems to gain insight into the molecular regulation of neuronal identity, which may illuminate how disruption of these regulatory mechanisms contributes to neurological diseases.

I’m interested in understanding how the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms during development leads to the emergence of different cell types and areas in the neocortex. Since I joined the lab, in November 2017, I’ve been studying the role of spontaneous activity in the arealization of the neocortex. I also look at how cortical neurons are arranged in the barrel field.

Since joining the lab in May 2022 I have been exploring network connectivity between astrocytes and neurons rising from varying regions within the somatosensory pathway to determine the impact of region specificity on developing networks. I am particularly interested in investigating the onset and development of spontaneous activity in emerging thalamocortical networks using human-derived 3D models of development.

I am interested in the importance of region-specific transcriptional signature in astrocytes and its importance in the recovery of sensory connections by the reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons. Since I joined the lab in 2019, I have been working on virally-mediated in vitro/in vivo reprogramming.

Astrocytes and neurons share the expression of defined sets of genes, that are specific to the brain region in which they reside. Since I joined the lab in 2021 I am interested in exploring the functional meaning of the shared transcriptional «signature” between these two cell types, to deepen our understanding of astrocytic heterogeneity within their relationship with neurons.

From 2012, I have been in charge of the maintenance of the laboratory stocks, cell cultures media, organotypic cultures, in situ hybridization and perfusion. I am also specialized in the electron microscopy technique. At present, I am doing electron microscopy in the prenatal and postnatal thalamus.

Since I joined the laboratory in November 2014, I am in charge of the management of the transgenic mouse lines colonies of the laboratory. I am also specialized in the in utero electroporation technique of DNA constructs in thalamus and cortex.

Since I joined the laboratory in 2010, I have been in charge of the administrative management and financial aspects of the scientific projects of the lab.

I am a versatile scientist with training in the field of neuroscience and broad experience in the field of cancer biology, both in basic and translational research settings. After my postdoc I worked at a biotech startup, where I expanded my project management skills while still working as a scientist. Since I joined the GLB laboratory in March 2023, I have been assisting Dr. López-Bendito in the scientific management of our team´s projects.