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Meet Elisa Navarro
About me
I graduated in Biochemistry (2011) and completed my Ph.D. at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (2016) under the supervision of Dr. Manuela García López. My doctoral research focused on investigating the role of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor in controlling inflammation as a potential target for neuroprotection.
After completing my Ph.D., I joined the lab of Dr. Towfique Raj, part of the Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York city. My work specifically involved the development of MyND, a multidisciplinary effort aimed at recruiting innate immune cells from patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. During this period, I focused in multi-omic and genetic approach to study the implication of immune system in neurodegeneration.
In 2020, I returned to my hometown, Madrid. Currently, I serve as an Assistant Professor in the Biochemistry department at UCM, where I balance teaching and research responsibilities. I am part of the Cannabinoids research group. I have recently established my independent research line, supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
Ongoing projects
I am a microglial lover interested in understanding the role of the innate immune system in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. I am currently working in different lines of investigation
DARDAGLIA
This project focuses in studying LRRK2 (or dardarin) which is a protein-coding gene. Mutations in this gene increase the risk to develop Parkinson´s disease, although the exact molecular mechanisms are still elusive. With this project I am interestied in diving in the function of LRRK2 controlling microglial homeostasis and functionality, especially its role in participating in lipid metabolism. Thus, Dardaglia project was born in an attempt to disentangle the role of dardarin (LRRK2) in microglia through regulation of lipid metabolism. This project is supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and incorporates top field researchers in the area such as Jorge Montesinos, Towfique Raj and Estela Area.
CANNABINOIDS IN PARKINSON DISEASE
I also collaborate with Dr. Javier Fernandez-Ruiz studying the role of the Cannabinoid system in Parkinson´s disease. We use different strategies to modulate the cannabonoid system as a target for neuroprotection. We are currently working in undertstanding the role of GPR55 receptor as a potential driver of Parkinson´s disease. This project is supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
NRF2 IN NEURODEGENERATION
We are also interested in understanding the role of the transcription factor Nrf2 in health and disease. We have initiated a collaborative project with both Noemí & Elisa, in combination with other researchers such as Lisa Rancán, Sergio Paredes and Manuela García, aiming to explore the role of Nrf2 in pathologies related to LRRK2 and Tau mutations. Our goal is to identify new neuroprotective agents based on Nrf2 induction.
Learn more about my research
more research in my Google Schoolar
my github profile https://github.com/navarroelisa