J. Cesar Cardenas

Ph.D. In Biomedical Science, Universidad de Chile.

I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Chile, where I studied the mechanism that regulated nuclear Ca2+ under Dr. Enrique Jaimovich’s mentoring. Then I moved to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School where I explored the nuclear localization 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) Ca2+channel by using high resolution electron microscopy and cryofracture as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Clara Franzini-Armstrong. Motivate in gain a better understanding of the physiological role of the InsP3R I joined Dr. Kevin Foskett’s lab also at UPENN, where I developed a strong interest in the regulation of cellular metabolism and bioenergetics by Ca2+. I was the first to show that basal constitutive low-level Ca2+ signaling by the InsP3R, is essential to maintain the sufficient mitochondrial NADH production to support oxidative phosphorylation in resting cells. In the absence of this calcium signaling, cells become metabolically compromised and a pro-survival AMPK-dependent mTOR-independent autophagy is turned on.

In 2019 I joined the Center of Integrative Biology at Universidad Mayor where we are exploring the role of mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum communication in cancer and aging .

Andrea Puebla

Lab manager

Biochemist from Universidad de Chile working in the determine the role of BCL-xl in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in the context of senescence.

Hernan Huerta

Postoctoral fellow

Biochemist from the Universidad de Santiago de Chile and PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Universidad de Chile. At present I’m studying the role of ketones in dysferlinopathy and soon I expect to publish my work in ketones, cellular senescence and it impact in cancer

Sergio Linsambarth

Postodoctoral fellow

Biotechnologist and PhD in Molecular Bioscience from Universidad Andres Bello. Im studying the role of connexin in the development of the senescence phenotype and how senescence my be involve in depression and resilience.

Pablo Morgado

PhD student

Master in Biochemistry and Biochemist from the Universidad de Chile with vast knowledge in flow cytometry, microbiology and molecular biology techniques. At present he is a student in the Biochemist PhD program at Universidad de Chile and is interested in determine the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the establishment of cellular senescence.

Cesar Casanova

Ph.D Student

Phonoaudiologist from the Universidad de Chile, Master in University Pedagogy and Public Health from Universidad Mayor and Master in Craniocervical and Craniomandibular Physiopathology and Facial Pain from Universidad Andres Bello. At present is student in the Neurobiology Ph.D program at Universidad Mayor and is interested in senescence escape after chemotherapy in glioblastoma and the role of glutamine.

Alejandra Lopez-Moroni

PhD student

Master in Gerontological Kinesiology from Universidad Mayor, Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology Universidad Mayor and current PhD student in Neurobiology. At present Im working in healthy aging, evaluating how exercise and NAD supplement achieve their geroprotective effects.

Osman Diaz

Research Assistant
Biotechnologist from Universidad de Chile working on skeletal muscle and aging.

Loreto Araos

Research Assistant
Biochemist from the University of Chile with experience in various techniques of molecular biology, virology, and fieldwork. Currently studying the effect of xestoids on senescent cells under high and low oxygen conditions.

Donato Garrido

Research Assistant

Biochemist from Universidad Austral de Chile with background in cancer and virology. At present I’m working on the characterization of cellular and metabolic changes that are associated with senescence induction and senescence escape in glioblastoma after chemotherapy.

Simon Alarcon

Student Assistant

Kinesiologist student from Universidad Mayor, conducting research on parabiosis and the impact of physical exercise on aging

Tesistas de Pregrado

  • Fernanda Diaz TM
  • Tiare Levican TM
  • Daniela Higuera TM
  • Valentina Castillon TM
  • Daniela MOreno TM
  • Geraldine Salazar TM
  • Camila Canales TM