Assist. Prof. Dr. Marta Lopez de Diego | virus-host interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marta Lopez de Diego , Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia , Spain

Marta López de Diego is an Assistant Professor at the National Center for Biotechnology (CNB), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She obtained her PhD from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 2008, under Prof. Luis Enjuanes, focusing on virus-host interactions. Following her PhD, she completed a postdoctoral term at CNB before moving to the University of Rochester, where she became an Assistant Professor in 2014. Since 2018, she has led her own research group at CNB. Her research is centered on viral pathogenesis, specifically studying respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, and the cellular mechanisms that influence viral replication and immune responses. Marta is a prominent figure in virology, recognized for her expertise in the molecular mechanisms of viral diseases and her collaboration with industry leaders.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

1. Extensive Academic and Research Background: Dr. López de Diego has a strong academic foundation, with a PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and postdoctoral experience at the University of Rochester. She has demonstrated leadership and scientific excellence, transitioning from a postdoctoral researcher to an Assistant Professor and leading her own research group at CNB-CSIC.
2. Focused and Impactful Research: Her research is focused on important viral pathogenesis, particularly related to respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. She explores virus-host interactions, innate immune responses, and viral replication, all of which are critical to understanding and combating viral diseases.
3. Impressive Research Projects and Funding: Dr. López de Diego has successfully led and collaborated on multiple high-impact research projects funded by reputable agencies (e.g., the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain). She is the principal investigator (PI) of several notable projects, demonstrating strong leadership skills in research management. Her projects cover a wide range of issues, including immune responses, viral pathogenesis, and the development of antiviral treatments.
4. High Citation and H-index: With an impressive H-index (42 according to Google Scholar) and significant citation count, Dr. López de Diego’s research is widely recognized within her field. Her work contributes significantly to understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral diseases and has been influential in the scientific community.
5. Collaboration with Industry: Her collaboration with industry partners, such as Micromod Partikeltechnologie GmbH, Nanomag, and nanoPET-Pharma, showcases her ability to bridge academia and industry, a crucial aspect of advancing scientific discoveries into real-world applications. The antiviral research involving nanoparticles for respiratory virus treatment has practical implications, particularly for COVID-19 and influenza.
6. Publication and Contributions to Books: Dr. López de Diego has contributed to several book chapters, showcasing her knowledge in areas of virology and nanoparticle-based antiviral strategies. This contributes to the education and dissemination of cutting-edge research to a broader audience.
7. Patents and Novel Discoveries: She has multiple patents related to viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies, underlining the practical significance of her work in advancing new antiviral approaches.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader International Collaboration: While Dr. López de Diego has worked in international settings like the University of Rochester, increasing her collaborations with researchers from different parts of the world (outside of Europe and the US) could further expand the global impact of her work, especially in underrepresented regions.
2. Focus on Translational Research: Although her research on virus-host interactions and antiviral strategies is impactful, a further emphasis on the clinical translation of her findings into treatment options could strengthen her overall contribution to the field. More clinical trials or collaboration with hospitals could help solidify her research’s real-world application.
3. Public Engagement and Outreach: As an expert in the field of virology, Dr. López de Diego could engage more with the public, raising awareness about the importance of her research, especially in the context of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Involvement in science communication could further elevate her recognition.

Education:

Marta López de Diego completed her PhD in 2008 at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain. Under the mentorship of Prof. Luis Enjuanes at the CNB, her doctoral research focused on understanding virus-host interactions. Afterward, she continued her work at CNB as a postdoctoral researcher, contributing to various projects on viral pathogenesis. In 2013, she moved to the University of Rochester in the United States to join Prof. David Topham’s lab, where she was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2014 due to her significant contributions to the field. Marta’s solid academic background, coupled with her international experience, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of virology and cellular biology. She has since returned to CNB, where she continues to investigate the complex relationships between viruses and host cells, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases.

Experience:

Marta López de Diego has a distinguished career as a researcher and academic in the field of virology. She began her career with a PhD in 2008, followed by postdoctoral work at the CNB, where she developed expertise in respiratory viruses and viral pathogenesis. In 2013, she joined the University of Rochester as a postdoctoral researcher, and by 2014, she was promoted to Assistant Professor. During her tenure, she led innovative research on the cellular factors influencing viral replication and immune responses. In 2018, Marta returned to Spain and established her own research group at the CNB, focusing on virus-host interactions, particularly the immune responses to respiratory viruses. Marta has secured multiple research grants and has become a key collaborator with both academic and industry partners. Her leadership and contributions to viral research have established her as a leading scientist in the field of cellular and molecular virology.

Research Focus:

Marta López de Diego’s research primarily investigates the interaction between respiratory viruses and host cellular mechanisms, with a particular focus on the pathogenesis of viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Her studies explore how cellular proteins influence viral entry, replication, and the induction of immune responses. Marta is also investigating the role of interferon-stimulated genes in antiviral responses and how these interactions contribute to disease severity. Her research aims to uncover the molecular processes that determine the outcome of viral infections, which is crucial for developing targeted therapies and vaccines. Furthermore, Marta’s work extends to exploring how host factors can be leveraged to prevent viral replication and modulate immune responses. Her ongoing projects, which are well-funded by Spanish and international agencies, reflect her leadership in virology. Marta also collaborates with industry partners to develop novel antiviral strategies using nanoparticles, reinforcing her commitment to translational research.

Publications Top Notes:

1. Antiviral Activity of Iron Oxide and Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanoparticles in Respiratory Infections 📚🦠
2. Emergencia del síndrome respiratorio agudo y grave y protección frente al coronavirus causante del mismo 📖🌍
3. Emergencia de virus. Evolución y protección frente al coronavirus de la neumonía atípica SARS-CoV 📘🦠
4. Vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Other Coronaviruses 📙💉
5. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Envelope Protein Ion Channel Activity Promotes Virus Fitness and Pathogenesis 🔬🦠
6. A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus that Lacks the E Gene is Attenuated In Vitro and In Vivo 💥🔬
7. Inhibition of NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation in SARS-CoV-Infected Mice Increases Survival 💡🦠
8. Subcellular Location and Topology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Envelope Protein 🔬🧬
9. Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Host Factors Underlying Critical COVID-19 📊🧬
10. Engineering a Replication-Competent, Propagation-Defective Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus as a Vaccine Candidate 🧬💉

Conclusion:

Dr. Marta López de Diego is an outstanding researcher whose work is not only scientifically rigorous but also has profound implications for global health, particularly in understanding and combating respiratory viruses. She has demonstrated leadership in research, secured substantial funding, and contributed to significant scientific advancements in virology. Her strengths in scientific research, international collaboration, and engagement with the industry make her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a little more emphasis on clinical applications and public outreach, Dr. López de Diego’s work could have even greater societal impact.