How did you get interested in Medicinal Chemistry?

I studied chemistry and while I enjoy organic chemistry and synthesizing compounds, my most motivation relies on knowing that the compounds we make could be useful to treat diseases. I performed my PhD studies at the Medicinal Chemistry institute from CSIC in Madrid, under the supervision of Dr. Ana Martinez and Dr. Carmen Gil from 2008 to 2012, where I developed compounds that were able to protect neurons from toxic insults and promote neurogenesis to create new neurons. Afterwards, I did my postdoc at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, US, under the supervision of Dr. Phil Dawson, working on peptides and Quantum Dots.

Where are you currently working and what is your current position?

Currenlty I am the head of the lab Biosensors in Neuroscience at IMDEA Nanoscience. We are working on developing sensors that allow us to efficiently select future drugs for neurodegenerative diseases that protect neurons and improve their homeostasis in models of neurodegeneration. In addition, we work in the development of multifunctional drugs. 

How would you explain what your research area is to non-scientists?

We try to understand whether a drug will protect damaged neurons in neurodegenerative diseases and could ultimately stop or slow down neurodegeneration.

What kind of tasks does your work involve?

I supervise my students, help them make the experiments work and analyse with them the data. A lot of my work consists in writing, from reports to grant proposal to publications and posters. I also spend a considerable time preparing and giving talk and seminars and finally I try to keep up with the recent literature in my area. 

How many PhD students and postdocs do you currently supervise?

I currently supervise 4 PhD students, 1 master student and 1 undergrad.

Are you currently looking for a new PhD student or a postdoc?

Yes! I am looking for a PhD student to work in a Doctoral Network (TClock4AD) and a Postdoc, as part of the Ideal postdoctoral call from IMDEA Nanociencia.

How would you describe yourself as a supervisor?

I try to guide my students as best as I can, showing them how to properly design and perform experiments and giving them solutions when things fail. Also I try to make a friendly environment in the lab, we have group meeting every week with pastries and make a fun activity every year together. A PI does not only need to be a valuable scientist knowing how to design experiments and analyse them but also you need to be able to manage people and projects that make the whole research group function.

What do you consider your greatest achievement in your scientific career?

I believe my achievements are related to using chemical tools to tackle complex aspects of biology such as understanding the role of GSK-3 enzyme in neurodegenerative diseases, that was discovered through the synthesis of chemically and biologically diverse inhibitors, or the use of dynamic sensors to understand key biological processes.

Which of your papers are you most proud of and why?

I am particularly proud of the development of multitarget compounds against Alzheimer’s disease (Angew. Chem.2021, 60,  19344) in which not only we discovered promising compounds but we used in situ click chemistry with BACE1 as a template.

What are the features of a successful PhD student or postdoc?

Curious, hard-working, innovative and meticulous. I have to say that maybe one does not excel at all of those but if they are not imperative, just know and exploit your strengths and work on your weaknesses! 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to know more about your field?

There are plenty of learning resources and outreach activities organised for example from my research centre, IMDEA Nanociencia. Come to any of those and we would love to explain our science to you.

Have you experienced any unfair situations during your scientific career? How would you advise scientists facing similar situations?

Sometimes the rejection of a grant or paper is difficult but if you believe in the project, keep on improving it and working hard and results will come. Also not everything is about the prestige of journals or awards, it is more important to be a good supervisor and train new good scientists for tomorrow’s problems. Finally we live in a very competitive world and with many talented scientists, and sometimes it is overwhelming if you do not achieve everything your colleagues do. Here I would say that keep on working, believe in yourself and keep up the good work. Results will come naturally and we don’t need to be obsessed with them but with doing the best we can as scientists.

What is the most embarrassing thing you have done in the lab while doing experiments, e.g. explosions?

I have had to extract the rotavap water and purify again a compound after droping it there….

What are your recommendations for a book, podcast, website, blog, YouTube channel or film?

I recommend the books from María Dueñas, I love In the Pipeline blog from Derek Lowe and I am a fan of tiny desk concerts.

Which scientist do you admire the most and why?

I admire many, especially the ones I collaborate with now, the ones that have trained and supervised me and those that have given me opportunities during my career. And to name a well-recognized researcher I will say I admire Rafael Yuste, one of the initiators of the brain initiative, that not only works towards the progress of neuroscience but also to protect human rights.

Which field of medicinal chemistry do you consider the most promising for the future?

I am fascinated about Protacs and am excited to see what they can achieve in the clinic. In addition, I also believe multitarget drugs are highly promising for the treatment of complex diseases specially when they process a synergistic targeting different pathways.

What would you expect to be the next major breakthrough in medicinal chemistry?

Another fascinating therapeutic approach in central nervous system diseases is targeting our microbiome. The connexion it seems to have with neurodegenerative diseases is fascinating and I am sure we will see nice discoveries in this area.