Dr. Vicente Micol Molina
PROFESSOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Miguel Hernandez University
RESEARCH FIELDS
The relationship between the biological activity of natural dietary compounds and its effects on chronic human diseases is under intense debate. The research target of our group is to characterize the wide biological activity of natural bioactive compounds using cellular and animal models and to understand the mechanism underlying their health effects. Our group is focused on:
- The capacity of polyphenols to ameliorate metabolic disturbances (oxidative stress and insulin resistance) in cellular models and hyperlipidemic mice.
- Bioguided screening of antimicrobial herbal extracts and compounds for applications in cosmetics, hygiene or medical devices.
- The cytotoxic/cytostatic and apoptotic effects of polyphenols in cancer cellular models using global OMICs. Nano-encapsulation of potential anticarcinogenic compounds.
- Characterization of food and herbal materials by chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Semi-industrial scale production of herbal extracts deriving from plants or vegetal by-products. Optimization of juice extraction processes and integral exploitation of by-products.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
- Previous positions: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Veterinary Faculty. University of Murcia (Spain). Teaching Assistant. Regulation of protein kinase C activity by lipids and phytochemicals (1994-1997).
- Postdoctoral positions: Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena (California). Senior Research Fellow (Fulbright Commission). The molecular mechanism of human mitochondrial miopathies. Molecular characterization and cloning of the transcription termination factor of the human mitochondrial DNA. Prof. Giuseppe Attardi Laboratory (1991-1994).
- PhD programme: PhD degree with Honors, University of Murcia (Director: Prof. Juan Carmelo Gómez-Fernández), 1990.
- Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry.