MariaIsabel Torres Lopez
Biography
PhD in Biology from the University of Granada (1994), awarded with distinction. Professor of Cell Biology in the Department of Experimental Biology at the University of Jaén. I am part of the research group RNM924 “Human and Animal Molecular Genetics” of the Andalusian Plan for R&D&I. My research focuses on the analysis of molecules involved in immune tolerance in celiac disease, developing in vitro study models. In collaboration with the company Biomedal, we have utilized the monoclonal antibody G12 as an indicator of reactivity or non-reactivity in various barley and oat varieties, allowing us to identify and quantify the most toxic fractions in different varieties. Additionally, we have conducted assays to neutralize the immunotoxicity of hydrolyzed foods using anti-gliadin antibodies, obtaining antibodies for conjugation to chromatographic resins.
Research Interest
Analysis of molecules involved in immune tolerance in celiac disease, developing in vitro study models
Abstract
Human Intestinal Organoids Chip technology to model celiac disease functionality
The Human Intestinal Organoids Chip technology is a cutting-edge platform designed to model the human intestine's functionality, offering insights into diseases such as celiac disease, where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten. Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures derived from stem cells that self-organize into structures mimicking specific organs. For the intestine, organoids closely replicate the epithelial lining and cellular diversity of the human gut, making them powerful tools for studying diseases like celiac disease. This microfluid chip designed to house multiple cell types in a dynamic environment including the epithelial layer, the lamina propria (containing immune cells), and the underlying extracellular matrix, that replicate nutrient absorption and secretion of digestive enzymes. Organoids are derived from patient-specific cells, offering an opportunity to model each individual's unique intestinal biology. These organoids mimic the structure and cellular composition of the human gut. By integrating intestinal organoids with organ-on-chip technology, we can create more advanced models that replicate both the cellular complexity of organoids and the dynamic, mechanical properties of the organ-on-chip, allowing for individualized disease study and treatment testing. The Intestinal Chip enables the study of the breakdown of the gut barrier, inflammation, immune activation and the presence of the microbiome in real-time, allowing for the study of how gut bacteria interact with intestinal cells and the immune system. The organ chip facilitates the delivery of gluten peptides and monitoring of their effects on intestinal cells, including how they trigger immune responses or damage villi, which are key elements of celiac pathology. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to test potential therapies, such as gluten-degrading enzymes or immunosuppressants, under conditions that closely resemble the human gut.
Key words: Intestinal organoids, organ-on-chip technology, celiac disease
