Who I am. I attended University of Chile, where I earned a PhD in Biochemistry focusing on neural precursor cell identity, and neuronal migration in the mouse model. After completion of the PhD, I moved to Boston where I carried out research on cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction and brain development at Harvard Medical School. I next moved to Milan where I spent 5 years at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), working on epigenetic and neurodevelopmental disorders. Since May of 2019 I am a researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) where I work on non-coding RNA and the mechanisms of chemo-resistance in pre-clinical models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). When I am not working I enjoy going on hikes, partake in outdoors activities and barbecuing.
What I do. I am interested in understanding how tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy, focusing on the tumor-suppressor role of relevant microRNAs (miRNAs). After my landing in the Francesco Nicassio’s laboratory, I have optimized the purification of primary and metastatic tumor cells upon chemotherapy in pre-clinical models of TNBC. Recently, I begin to work on a nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategy for active targeting of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that persist after pharmacological therapy. I aim to explore the potential of Chitosan (CS)/Hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) in the selective delivery of miRNAs as a TNBC therapeutic agent.
How it can benefit people. Understanding the dynamics, complexity of tumor metastasis and the mechanisms behind drug resistance is crucial for improving clinical interventions and care for cancer patients.