We highlight that over the last three years, the group has successfully launched 11 competitive and non-competitive projects funded by different institutions, which are structured around the group's three main research lines.
This research line focuses on the study of monitoring humoral and cellular immune responses in kidney transplantation (KT) and their clinical correlation. The main objective is to optimize access to transplantation in patients with high immunological risk and to clarify the mechanisms involved in chronic antibody-mediated rejection through immunological monitoring of the recipient.
Humoral, cellular, and histological responses are systematically assessed in KT recipients in order to characterize chronic rejection, identify biomarkers, and define personalized therapeutic strategies. The dynamics of donor-specific antibodies (DSA)-including production, temporal evolution, complement-fixing capacity, and isotype distribution-are analyzed, as well as lymphocyte populations in peripheral blood, with a particular focus on the functional assessment of memory B cells and NK cells. In addition, kidney biopsies are studied using conventional techniques, analysis of tissue lymphocyte subpopulations, protein immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.
The group also investigates associated pathogenic mechanisms-complement activation, innate immunity, and intracellular signaling pathways-highlighting the existence of cases of antibody-mediated rejection without DSA, now referred to as microvascular inflammation, a less well-characterized immunological entity.
Furthermore, the impact of modifications in immunosuppression and the effectiveness of different therapeutic strategies are evaluated. Currently, the group is developing phenotypic characterization of KIR-HLA class I mismatch in NK cells as a predictive tool for the clinical follow-up of transplanted patients.
Funding obtained within this research line includes:
A project addressing the mechanisms of injury in kidney transplant rejection, with Dr. M. Crespo and Dr. E. Alari as principal investigators, active at least until 2027.
Within the same line, Dr. M.J. Pérez and Dr. D. Redondo have obtained two highly relevant grants related to the immunological frailty of kidney transplant recipients: one within the Health Research Projects program and another to conduct an independent clinical trial, both active at least until 2027.
The Spanish Society of Transplantation has awarded a grant to Dr. A. Buxeda to develop a transcriptomics study in mixed rejection, which will be active until 2027.
It should also be noted that this part of the group collaborates as a partner in four additional ISCIII ICI projects and participates internationally in a study on ABO-incompatible transplantation and in the TANGO study group.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a frequently silent and underdiagnosed condition associated with high cardiovascular risk and increased mortality. The clinical biomarkers commonly used to assess kidney function have limitations, such as low sensitivity in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. Our group leads a longitudinal study based on the analysis of metabolomic, lipidomic, and glycomic profiles in a cohort of 700 patients with type 2 diabetes and varying degrees of kidney involvement, comparing baseline profiles with those obtained after five years. Metabolomic profiles, total IgG glycosylation, and circulating galectin-3 have been determined and replicated in three independent European cohorts to validate their robustness.
In the field of basic research, the role of the metalloproteinase ADAM17 in the progression of diabetic nephropathy is being investigated. In addition, the group focuses on the development of new laboratory techniques and cell culture systems, such as 3D cultures and renal organoids.
From a holistic perspective, the group highlights the study of the mechanisms of action of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), drugs that have been shown to significantly improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Current funding for this research line includes:
A grant from the ISCIII to study the mechanisms of action of sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, led by Dr. C. Barrios and Dr. M. Riera.
Projects related to lupus nephropathy, led by Dr. E. Rodríguez.
Projects related to podocytopathies, led by Dr. E. Márquez.
This research line focuses on the development of strategies to improve control and reduce risk in patients with resistant or secondary hypertension, as well as in special populations. With funding from the ISCIII, the effects of renal sympathetic denervation have been studied, along with strategies to improve therapeutic adherence. In parallel, studies have been conducted in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery and in young patients with polycystic kidney disease, as well as research on hemodynamic and hormonal predictors of preeclampsia (Dr. S. Vázquez). The group also conducts longitudinal studies of cardiovascular risk in living kidney donors using advanced endothelial and functional assessment techniques.
Currently, Dr. A. Oliveras coordinates a multidisciplinary project funded by La Marató de TV3 (2022 call), which focuses on the study of blood pressure in dental patients.
© Institut Hospital del Mar
d'Investigacions MèdiquesLegal Notice and Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Site Index | Accessibility | Find Us | Contact
