Cell-based therapies as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authorship
R.C.H.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
R.C.H.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs as a consequence of the loss of motor neurons in the central nervous system, leading to progressive muscle paralysis and ultimately death. These are currently no effective treatments, wich makes the search for new therapeutic trategies urgent. Among them, cell therapy, represents a promising alternative. This work will consist of an investigation Into the foundations of clinical trials based on the use of stem cells as a therapeutic alternative, as well as recent advances and future prospects.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs as a consequence of the loss of motor neurons in the central nervous system, leading to progressive muscle paralysis and ultimately death. These are currently no effective treatments, wich makes the search for new therapeutic trategies urgent. Among them, cell therapy, represents a promising alternative. This work will consist of an investigation Into the foundations of clinical trials based on the use of stem cells as a therapeutic alternative, as well as recent advances and future prospects.
Direction
RODRIGUEZ PALLARES, JANNETTE (Tutorships)
García Crivaro, Lucía Agustina (Co-tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ PALLARES, JANNETTE (Tutorships)
García Crivaro, Lucía Agustina (Co-tutorships)
Court
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
Effect of kelp forest degradation on macroalgae diversity
Authorship
L.C.C.
Bachelor of Biology
L.C.C.
Bachelor of Biology
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
Laminaria ochroleuca forests are key habitats in Galicia's coastal ecosystems, providing structure, shelter and high biological biodiversity. In recent decades, these forests have undergone intense degradation processes associated with environmental and climatic factors, which can profoundly alter the associated benthic macroalgae communities. The hypothesis of this study was that the disappearance of L. ochroleuca forests causes significant changes in the diversity and structure of these communities, and that the use of metabarcoding techniques allows for the detection of greater species richness in communities and macroalgae compared to traditional morphological identification. The objectives were to compare macroalgal diversity between healthy and degraded ecosystems and to evaluate the differences between molecular and morphological identification methods. The methodology included analysing the diversity and abundance of macroalgae in samples collected from sites with healthy and degraded L. ochroleuca forests, using genetic sequencing of the 18S and COI markers, together with a classical taxonomic study. The results were analysed using multivariate statistical analysis via PERMANOVA and nMDS representations. The results showed high spatial variability between sampling sites, while the conservation status of L. ochroleuca did not show statistically significant differences in community structure. Metabarcoding allowed for the detection of a greater number of species than the morphological study, although with limitations associated with each genetic marker. Overall, the study highlights the spatial complexity of macroalgae communities and the need to use combinations of methods for a more comprehensive assessment of biodiversity, providing relevant information for the conservation of coastal ecosystems in Galicia.
Laminaria ochroleuca forests are key habitats in Galicia's coastal ecosystems, providing structure, shelter and high biological biodiversity. In recent decades, these forests have undergone intense degradation processes associated with environmental and climatic factors, which can profoundly alter the associated benthic macroalgae communities. The hypothesis of this study was that the disappearance of L. ochroleuca forests causes significant changes in the diversity and structure of these communities, and that the use of metabarcoding techniques allows for the detection of greater species richness in communities and macroalgae compared to traditional morphological identification. The objectives were to compare macroalgal diversity between healthy and degraded ecosystems and to evaluate the differences between molecular and morphological identification methods. The methodology included analysing the diversity and abundance of macroalgae in samples collected from sites with healthy and degraded L. ochroleuca forests, using genetic sequencing of the 18S and COI markers, together with a classical taxonomic study. The results were analysed using multivariate statistical analysis via PERMANOVA and nMDS representations. The results showed high spatial variability between sampling sites, while the conservation status of L. ochroleuca did not show statistically significant differences in community structure. Metabarcoding allowed for the detection of a greater number of species than the morphological study, although with limitations associated with each genetic marker. Overall, the study highlights the spatial complexity of macroalgae communities and the need to use combinations of methods for a more comprehensive assessment of biodiversity, providing relevant information for the conservation of coastal ecosystems in Galicia.
Direction
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Tutorships)
Barrientos de la Llana, Sara (Co-tutorships)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Tutorships)
Barrientos de la Llana, Sara (Co-tutorships)
Court
COBO GRADIN, FERNANDO (Chairman)
PONTEVEDRA POMBAL, FRANCISCO XABIER (Secretary)
ABOAL VIÑAS, JESUS RAMON (Member)
COBO GRADIN, FERNANDO (Chairman)
PONTEVEDRA POMBAL, FRANCISCO XABIER (Secretary)
ABOAL VIÑAS, JESUS RAMON (Member)
Bioactive components in antimicrobial food packaging
Authorship
M.C.J.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
M.C.J.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
Food spoilage caused by microbial contamination threatens food safety and human health. This, combined with the use of non-degradable plastic packaging, represents a serious environmental problem. As a result, an alternative has emerged: sustainable active packaging based on antimicrobial agents incorporated into degradable polymeric matrices. The aim of this study was to review the literature from the past five years on the main active components used in this type of packaging system. To achieve this, a bibliographic search was carried out in databases, Scopus and Web of Science, followed by two screening phases and a final selection of the studies best suited to the research topic. The results were classified into inorganic and organic antimicrobial agents, other emerging systems such as bacteriophages, and hybrid systems combining different bioactive agents. Activity and specificity varied among groups, such that no antimicrobial agent was universally effective. This highlights the need to develop combined systems with synergistic effects on microbial inhibition. Despite its potential, antimicrobial food packaging still presents limitations related to the control of volatile compound release, the impact on organoleptic properties, and scaling up to an industrial level. Therefore, it is a promising technology that is still under development and requires further research.
Food spoilage caused by microbial contamination threatens food safety and human health. This, combined with the use of non-degradable plastic packaging, represents a serious environmental problem. As a result, an alternative has emerged: sustainable active packaging based on antimicrobial agents incorporated into degradable polymeric matrices. The aim of this study was to review the literature from the past five years on the main active components used in this type of packaging system. To achieve this, a bibliographic search was carried out in databases, Scopus and Web of Science, followed by two screening phases and a final selection of the studies best suited to the research topic. The results were classified into inorganic and organic antimicrobial agents, other emerging systems such as bacteriophages, and hybrid systems combining different bioactive agents. Activity and specificity varied among groups, such that no antimicrobial agent was universally effective. This highlights the need to develop combined systems with synergistic effects on microbial inhibition. Despite its potential, antimicrobial food packaging still presents limitations related to the control of volatile compound release, the impact on organoleptic properties, and scaling up to an industrial level. Therefore, it is a promising technology that is still under development and requires further research.
Direction
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Tutorships)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Co-tutorships)
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Tutorships)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Co-tutorships)
Court
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
Genetic diagnosis in hereditary kidney diseases: Gitelman and Bartter syndromes
Authorship
Y.D.L.I.G.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
Y.D.L.I.G.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
Renal hereditary diseases make up a heterogeneous group of monogenic pathologies which tend to cause chronic renal disease, especially in pediatric patients. Amongst them, Bartter and Gitleman syndromes, both tubulopathies, are known to produce similar phenotypes, which makes telling them apart difficult based merely on clinical criteria. In this context, genetic diagnosis plays a fundamental role in confirming the etiology of the disease and orientating its clinical management. This project is focused on genetic analysis of a group of patients with suspicion of hereditary tubulopathies using next generation sequencing tools (NGS) and Sanger sequencing for family segregation studies. The genetic variants detected where classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Simultaneously, a reanalysis based on the most recent scientific evidence, represented by the guides published by the Association for Clinical Genomic Science in 2024, was conducted. The resultant information allowed the design of a cohort of patients and relatives affected by Bartter or Gitelman syndromes, which will be of utility for the future study of both pathologies. In the end, 85 genetic variants were identified, of which 17 were reclassified compared to the results of the last analysis conducted in the research group, improving the diagnosis yield. Furthermore, 43 cases of Gitelman syndrome and 12 of Bartter syndrome were confirmed, as well as significant diagnosis reassignment. These results show the importance of genetic diagnosis and periodic reanalysis as key tools in optimizing diagnostic precision and decision making in the renal hereditary diseases field.
Renal hereditary diseases make up a heterogeneous group of monogenic pathologies which tend to cause chronic renal disease, especially in pediatric patients. Amongst them, Bartter and Gitleman syndromes, both tubulopathies, are known to produce similar phenotypes, which makes telling them apart difficult based merely on clinical criteria. In this context, genetic diagnosis plays a fundamental role in confirming the etiology of the disease and orientating its clinical management. This project is focused on genetic analysis of a group of patients with suspicion of hereditary tubulopathies using next generation sequencing tools (NGS) and Sanger sequencing for family segregation studies. The genetic variants detected where classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Simultaneously, a reanalysis based on the most recent scientific evidence, represented by the guides published by the Association for Clinical Genomic Science in 2024, was conducted. The resultant information allowed the design of a cohort of patients and relatives affected by Bartter or Gitelman syndromes, which will be of utility for the future study of both pathologies. In the end, 85 genetic variants were identified, of which 17 were reclassified compared to the results of the last analysis conducted in the research group, improving the diagnosis yield. Furthermore, 43 cases of Gitelman syndrome and 12 of Bartter syndrome were confirmed, as well as significant diagnosis reassignment. These results show the importance of genetic diagnosis and periodic reanalysis as key tools in optimizing diagnostic precision and decision making in the renal hereditary diseases field.
Direction
CANDAL SUAREZ, EVA MARIA (Tutorships)
GARCIA MURIAS, MARIA (Co-tutorships)
CANDAL SUAREZ, EVA MARIA (Tutorships)
GARCIA MURIAS, MARIA (Co-tutorships)
Court
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
Characterisation of the toxicity of pellets from the Toconao spill using a standardised Lemna sp. test.
Authorship
D.F.M.
Bachelor of Biology
D.F.M.
Bachelor of Biology
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
The Toconao is a Liberian-flagged cargo ship that lost total of six containers oof the coast of Viana do Castelo on 8 December 2023. These containers were carrying approximately 1000 sacks of plastic pellets, which translates into 26 tonnes of spilled particles. In the days following the incident, the balls began to wash up on the Galician coast, where they remained for months. The main objective of this study is to analyse the toxicity of these plastic particles using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standardised Lemna test. It also includes an analysis of the current situation regarding these synthetic pollutants, as wells as a detailed description of the experimental part, from the collection of samples in the field to the development of the laboratory work. The main hypothesis is that plastic pellets, subjected to different simulated environmental conditions, would have a toxic effect on the vegetative growth of Lemna minor. However, under the experimental conditions used, no alteration was detected, contradicting this hypothesis. Plastic pollution, especially marine pollution, is a topic of growing concern, highlighting the need to continue testing under a wide range of conditions in order to understand the different ecotoxicological effects that could impact living organisms and the ecosystem itself. Currently, the literature on these effects is not very extensive, given the wide range of pollutants, effects and conditions in which they can occur, leaving the door open to continue this line of research.
The Toconao is a Liberian-flagged cargo ship that lost total of six containers oof the coast of Viana do Castelo on 8 December 2023. These containers were carrying approximately 1000 sacks of plastic pellets, which translates into 26 tonnes of spilled particles. In the days following the incident, the balls began to wash up on the Galician coast, where they remained for months. The main objective of this study is to analyse the toxicity of these plastic particles using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standardised Lemna test. It also includes an analysis of the current situation regarding these synthetic pollutants, as wells as a detailed description of the experimental part, from the collection of samples in the field to the development of the laboratory work. The main hypothesis is that plastic pellets, subjected to different simulated environmental conditions, would have a toxic effect on the vegetative growth of Lemna minor. However, under the experimental conditions used, no alteration was detected, contradicting this hypothesis. Plastic pollution, especially marine pollution, is a topic of growing concern, highlighting the need to continue testing under a wide range of conditions in order to understand the different ecotoxicological effects that could impact living organisms and the ecosystem itself. Currently, the literature on these effects is not very extensive, given the wide range of pollutants, effects and conditions in which they can occur, leaving the door open to continue this line of research.
Direction
FERNANDEZ ESCRIBANO, JOSE ANGEL (Tutorships)
VARELA RIO, ZULEMA (Co-tutorships)
FERNANDEZ ESCRIBANO, JOSE ANGEL (Tutorships)
VARELA RIO, ZULEMA (Co-tutorships)
Court
COBO GRADIN, FERNANDO (Chairman)
PONTEVEDRA POMBAL, FRANCISCO XABIER (Secretary)
ABOAL VIÑAS, JESUS RAMON (Member)
COBO GRADIN, FERNANDO (Chairman)
PONTEVEDRA POMBAL, FRANCISCO XABIER (Secretary)
ABOAL VIÑAS, JESUS RAMON (Member)
Avaliation of the role of SEMA4A in ulcerative colitis through transcriptomic analysis
Authorship
J.G.V.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
J.G.V.
Biotechnology Degree (2nd Ed. )
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that refers to a group of disorders such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). These pathologies are characterized by the presence of chronic and recurrent inflammation of the intestinal mucosa with an unknown etiology, resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The incidence and prevalence of IBD are increasing worldwide, and current therapies remain suboptimal. Therefore, new drugs and biomarkers are required to improve disease management. Class 4 semaphorins have emerged as key regulators of innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, SEMA4A is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in immune system cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. Recent studies suggest that SEMA4A expression is altered during intestinal inflammation; however, its role in this context remains largely unknown. With the aim of further investigating in this research area, this project carries out an exhaustive transcriptomic analysis across different cohorts of patients with UC, evaluating the expression of SEMA4A and its receptors in relation to disease activity using two public databases. This analysis revealed a significant increase in SEMA4A expression in samples from patients with active UC compared with controls and patients in remission. Subsequently, several databases including responder and non-responder patients to two biological therapies, infliximab (anti-TNF) and vedolizumab (anti-a4b7 integrin), were analyzed in order to investigate the role of SEMA4A as a potential predictive biomarker. The results showed that SEMA4A expression was increased in patients who did not respond to either therapy. Based on these findings, we conclude that SEMA4A is a factor associated with UC activity and exhibits a limited capacity as a predictive marker of response to specific biological treatments.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that refers to a group of disorders such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). These pathologies are characterized by the presence of chronic and recurrent inflammation of the intestinal mucosa with an unknown etiology, resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The incidence and prevalence of IBD are increasing worldwide, and current therapies remain suboptimal. Therefore, new drugs and biomarkers are required to improve disease management. Class 4 semaphorins have emerged as key regulators of innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, SEMA4A is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in immune system cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. Recent studies suggest that SEMA4A expression is altered during intestinal inflammation; however, its role in this context remains largely unknown. With the aim of further investigating in this research area, this project carries out an exhaustive transcriptomic analysis across different cohorts of patients with UC, evaluating the expression of SEMA4A and its receptors in relation to disease activity using two public databases. This analysis revealed a significant increase in SEMA4A expression in samples from patients with active UC compared with controls and patients in remission. Subsequently, several databases including responder and non-responder patients to two biological therapies, infliximab (anti-TNF) and vedolizumab (anti-a4b7 integrin), were analyzed in order to investigate the role of SEMA4A as a potential predictive biomarker. The results showed that SEMA4A expression was increased in patients who did not respond to either therapy. Based on these findings, we conclude that SEMA4A is a factor associated with UC activity and exhibits a limited capacity as a predictive marker of response to specific biological treatments.
Direction
BALBOA MENDEZ, SABELA (Tutorships)
Conde Aranda, Javier (Co-tutorships)
Arosa García, Laura (Co-tutorships)
BALBOA MENDEZ, SABELA (Tutorships)
Conde Aranda, Javier (Co-tutorships)
Arosa García, Laura (Co-tutorships)
Court
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
MARTINEZ COSTAS, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
GARCIA FANDIÑO, REBECA (Secretary)
ABBADESSA , ANNA (Member)
Sarcocystis in Canis lupus Linneo, 1758. Presence and molecular characterization.
Authorship
A.J.S.
Bachelor of Biology
A.J.S.
Bachelor of Biology
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:15
02.20.2026 10:15
Summary
Protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Sarcocystis have a biology that involves a predator prey relationship, with intestinal and muscular localisation, respectively. The Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus Linnaeus, 1758, is a carnivore endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, with generalist and predatory behaviour that includes mainly both wild and domestic ungulates. In the present study, the presence of Sarcocystis was investigated in 47 faecal samples of Iberian wolf collected in Galicia. For this purpose, 1.5 g of each sample was individually homogenised in a mortar, filtered, and concentrated by centrifugation using 0.04 M phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.2/ethyl ether (2:1). Aliquots of 10 uL of the sediments obtained were observed under bright-field microscopy by triplicate. In addition, nucleic acids were extracted from 200 uL of sediment and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was performed to amplify a fragment of the Sarcocystis ssu-rDNA gene using primers specifically designed for this study. Microscopic analysis of the sediments revealed the presence of Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts in 16 of the 68 samples analysed, representing a prevalence of 23.5%, with a mean infection intensity of 388.3 +/- 276.5 sporocysts/g of faeces. Molecular characterization of the isolated samples allowed the identification of Sarcocystis asinus, Sarcocystis bertrami, Sarcocystis capreolicanis, Sarcocystis cervicanis, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis linearis, and Sarcocystis tenella. The intermediate hosts for these species are cattle and sheep, as well as horses and deer. The present study demonstrates that this parasite is widely distributed among the animals that constitute the food chain of wolves and highlights the role of these canids in disseminating sarcocystosis, particularly among domestic ruminants reared in extensive farming systems.
Protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Sarcocystis have a biology that involves a predator prey relationship, with intestinal and muscular localisation, respectively. The Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus Linnaeus, 1758, is a carnivore endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, with generalist and predatory behaviour that includes mainly both wild and domestic ungulates. In the present study, the presence of Sarcocystis was investigated in 47 faecal samples of Iberian wolf collected in Galicia. For this purpose, 1.5 g of each sample was individually homogenised in a mortar, filtered, and concentrated by centrifugation using 0.04 M phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.2/ethyl ether (2:1). Aliquots of 10 uL of the sediments obtained were observed under bright-field microscopy by triplicate. In addition, nucleic acids were extracted from 200 uL of sediment and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was performed to amplify a fragment of the Sarcocystis ssu-rDNA gene using primers specifically designed for this study. Microscopic analysis of the sediments revealed the presence of Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts in 16 of the 68 samples analysed, representing a prevalence of 23.5%, with a mean infection intensity of 388.3 +/- 276.5 sporocysts/g of faeces. Molecular characterization of the isolated samples allowed the identification of Sarcocystis asinus, Sarcocystis bertrami, Sarcocystis capreolicanis, Sarcocystis cervicanis, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis linearis, and Sarcocystis tenella. The intermediate hosts for these species are cattle and sheep, as well as horses and deer. The present study demonstrates that this parasite is widely distributed among the animals that constitute the food chain of wolves and highlights the role of these canids in disseminating sarcocystosis, particularly among domestic ruminants reared in extensive farming systems.
Direction
ARES MAZAS, MARIA ELVIRA (Tutorships)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Co-tutorships)
ARES MAZAS, MARIA ELVIRA (Tutorships)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Co-tutorships)
Court
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)
Protoplast isolation from somatic embryos of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authorship
C.M.S.
Bachelor of Biology
C.M.S.
Bachelor of Biology
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:15
02.20.2026 10:15
Summary
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a species of great economic importance worldwide, but it is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This situation highlights the need to apply crop genetic improvement techniques. In this context, protoplasts represent one of the most suitable systems, especially for the application of biotechnological techniques such as CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). In this work, an established protoplast isolation protocol compatible with CRISPR/Cas gene editing was applied using somatic embryo aggregates of grapevine cultivar. Mencía and leaf explants of cultivar Godello. The yield of the process and the viability of the obtained protoplasts were estimated. These were cultured using the disc culture method: droplets of solid Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium supplemented with naphthaleneacetic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine, sucrose, glucose, and Gelrite, surrounded by liquid NN medium with the same composition but without Gelrite and with activated charcoal. Cultures were maintained in a growth chamber in darkness, with periodic replacement of the liquid NN medium without glucose. The development and evolution of the protoplasts were monitored for 3/4 months. The results demonstrated that the protoplast isolation method was effective. Division and development of protoplasts from both explant types were observed. However, in neither case did the cultures reach the embryogenic developmental stage expected according to previous studies. This suggests the need to maintain protoplasts in culture for a longer period, between 6 and 12 months. Additionally, it may be necessary to adjust culture conditions and media, as the induction of somatic embryogenesis is highly dependent on genotype and explant type.
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a species of great economic importance worldwide, but it is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This situation highlights the need to apply crop genetic improvement techniques. In this context, protoplasts represent one of the most suitable systems, especially for the application of biotechnological techniques such as CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). In this work, an established protoplast isolation protocol compatible with CRISPR/Cas gene editing was applied using somatic embryo aggregates of grapevine cultivar. Mencía and leaf explants of cultivar Godello. The yield of the process and the viability of the obtained protoplasts were estimated. These were cultured using the disc culture method: droplets of solid Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium supplemented with naphthaleneacetic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine, sucrose, glucose, and Gelrite, surrounded by liquid NN medium with the same composition but without Gelrite and with activated charcoal. Cultures were maintained in a growth chamber in darkness, with periodic replacement of the liquid NN medium without glucose. The development and evolution of the protoplasts were monitored for 3/4 months. The results demonstrated that the protoplast isolation method was effective. Division and development of protoplasts from both explant types were observed. However, in neither case did the cultures reach the embryogenic developmental stage expected according to previous studies. This suggests the need to maintain protoplasts in culture for a longer period, between 6 and 12 months. Additionally, it may be necessary to adjust culture conditions and media, as the induction of somatic embryogenesis is highly dependent on genotype and explant type.
Direction
FERRADAS RIAL, YOLANDA (Tutorships)
FERRADAS RIAL, YOLANDA (Tutorships)
Court
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)
Role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of pseudomembranous colitis
Authorship
P.R.R.
Bachelor of Biology
P.R.R.
Bachelor of Biology
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:15
02.20.2026 10:15
Summary
The gut microbiota constitutes an essential barrier against colonization by pathogens by limiting available resources and space, so maintaining its balance (eubiosis) is essential to prevent intestinal infections. The use of antibiotics disrupts this balance and is the main risk factor for colonization by the pathogen Clostridioides difficile and the development of pseudomembranous colitis. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review to describe the alterations in the microbiota that occur during C. difficile infection, analyze the impact of hypervirulent strains of this bacterium, and compare the efficacy of the different treatments available. The data indicate that the infection is characterized mainly by a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria and an alteration in bile acid metabolism. This dysbiotic environment is exploited by hypervirulent strains such as ribotype 027, which aggravate the pathology through the massive production of toxins. Although conventional antibiotic therapy is initially effective, it does not allow the restoration of eubiosis, which keeps the patient in a state of vulnerability and causes high recurrence rates. In contrast, the use of alternative therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation or probiotics allows for the recovery of microbial diversity and the defensive functions of the colon. These findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift toward personalized therapies based on biotechnology and clinical nutrition.
The gut microbiota constitutes an essential barrier against colonization by pathogens by limiting available resources and space, so maintaining its balance (eubiosis) is essential to prevent intestinal infections. The use of antibiotics disrupts this balance and is the main risk factor for colonization by the pathogen Clostridioides difficile and the development of pseudomembranous colitis. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review to describe the alterations in the microbiota that occur during C. difficile infection, analyze the impact of hypervirulent strains of this bacterium, and compare the efficacy of the different treatments available. The data indicate that the infection is characterized mainly by a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria and an alteration in bile acid metabolism. This dysbiotic environment is exploited by hypervirulent strains such as ribotype 027, which aggravate the pathology through the massive production of toxins. Although conventional antibiotic therapy is initially effective, it does not allow the restoration of eubiosis, which keeps the patient in a state of vulnerability and causes high recurrence rates. In contrast, the use of alternative therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation or probiotics allows for the recovery of microbial diversity and the defensive functions of the colon. These findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift toward personalized therapies based on biotechnology and clinical nutrition.
Direction
LEMOS RAMOS, MANUEL LUIS (Tutorships)
LEMOS RAMOS, MANUEL LUIS (Tutorships)
Court
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)
SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
DIAZ JULLIEN, CRISTINA (Secretary)
MARTIN CORA, FRANCISCO JAVIER (Member)