2024/09/13

Recognition of Naroa Goikoetxea's research at the 46th SEBBM Congress

Researcher Naroa Goikoetxea received the Best Young Communication Award at the 46th SEBBM Congress, recognizing her groundbreaking work on liver aging.
Her research revealed that excess glutaminase accelerates liver aging and highlighted promising new therapeutic approaches.

Postdoctoral researcher Naroa Goikoetxea from the Liver Disease group at CIC bioGUNE - member of BRTA – and CIBEREHD has been awarded the Best Young Communication Award at the 46th Sociedad Española de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (SEBBM) Congress, held in A Coruña from September 3rd to 6th. Sponsored by Fundación BBVA and awarded for the second year in a row, this accolade highlights exceptional contributions by young researchers in the field of biomedicine. In this edition, an award was given in each area of study.

Dr. Goikoetxea was honored in the Cellular Senescence area for her work titled "Role of Glutaminase Isoform1 (GLS1) in Liver Senescence via Ammonium and Iron Modulation". Her research explores how metabolic changes affect the liver's susceptibility to aging. The study revealed that older individuals experience increased glutaminolysis and iron accumulation in the liver. Additionally, it was discovered that excess GLS1 enzyme in the liver contributes to this iron buildup, accelerating the process of liver aging.

Experiments conducted both in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that harmful levels of ammonia disrupt important liver functions. Specifically, the toxic buildup of ammonia affects the liver cells' ability to maintain their internal balance, disrupting essential processes such as waste removal and iron processing. This makes liver cells more vulnerable to damage. However, using treatments to remove excess ammonia and iron helped reduce liver inflammation and slow down cellular aging in the lab, thereby improving the overall function of liver cells.

This recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CIC bioGUNE researchers in advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies to address complex liver diseases. The award, with a prize of €1,500, reflects the quality and impact of the research conducted by young scientists in the field of biomedicine.

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.

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