Lucia Castillo Ransanz

Short CV

Research

Neural cells are continuously exposed to mechanical cues that arise from their microenvironment, such as topography, stiffness and viscoelasticity. Recent research has proven the relevance of mechanical cues during brain development and normal brain function, highlighting their role in processes such as neural migration, proliferation, or differentiation. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed the involvement of mechano-related signalling pathways on several neurological diseases, such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a genetic multisystem disorder with neurological manifestations. Nevertheless, most of the current cell culture systems do not integrate the mechanical aspects of neural microenvironment, stressing the need to develop in vitro culture platforms that include these parameters. My work explores the combination of iPSC technology and 3D printing techniques to increase the physiological relevance of in vitro brain models and study TSC disease mechanisms from a mechanobiological perspective.

Highlighted publications

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