Dr. José Villalaín Boullón

Professor of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Miguel Hernandez University

 

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Unit
Antiviral Strategies

Group
Antiviral Strategies Against Viruses Enveloped Through Biocomputing: DENGUE, ZIKA and SARS

RESEARCH FIELDS

  • Study of the structure and interaction of DENV virus-derived peptide libraries comprising the viral structural and non-structural proteins with model biomembranes, aiming to identify their molecular mechanism and biological function. Screening of peptide libraries to identify membranotropic determinants, characterize the interactions in structural terms, study the structure of the membranotropic segments, and make a detailed study of the interaction, modulation and structure of these peptide segments with membranes and living cells.
  • Developing molecular dynamics bioinformatic tools to study the interaction of viral proteins with biomembranes to find new antivirals and therapeutic targets to develop new leading compounds useful for improved combined therapies.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

  • Previous positions: 
    1. Assistant Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – University of Murcia – 1983/1987.
    2. Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – University of Murcia – 1987/1997.
    3.- Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – University “Miguel Hernández” – 1997/2003.
    4. Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – University “Miguel Hernández” – 2003/present.
  • Postdoctoral positions:
    1. Dept. of Biochemistry, Charing Cross Hospital medical School, London, 1985.
    2. Dept. of Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Medical School (Infrared Spectroscopy of biomembrane systems), London, 1987.
    3. Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Oxford (NMR of proteins), 1994.
  • PhD with Honors, University of the Basque Country, 1983 (Director: Prof. Antonio V. Xavier).
  • Degree in Biology.