Contributions to Science
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS
<p><em>Contributions to Science </em>is the international journal of the <a href="http://blocs.iec.cat/seccb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biological Sciences Section</a> and the <a href="http://www.iec.cat/institucio/entrada.asp?c_epigraf_num=50023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Science and Technology Section</a> of the <a href="http://www.iec.cat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Institute for Catalan Studies</a>.</p> <p> </p>Institute for Catalan Studiesen-USContributions to Science1575-6343<div>This work is subject, unless the contrary is indicated in the text, the photographs or in other illustrations, to an Attribution —Non-</div><div>Commercial— No Derivative Works 3.0 Creative Commons License, the full text of which can be consulted at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/. You are free to share, copy, distribute and transmit the work provided that the author is credited and reuse of the material is restricted to non-commercial purposes only and that no derivative works are created from the original material.</div>Introduction
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS/article/view/144255
Francesc González Sastre
Copyright (c)
13177Molecular markers for plant genetics and breeding
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS/article/view/144256
<div>The development of molecular markers has been a major step forward in understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity, and in measuring the amount and organization of genotypic polymorphisms in wild and cultivated plant species. The progress in molecular technologies of the last 50 years has lead from a few isozyme markers to a virtually unlimited number of DNA-based markers that are highly polymorphic, codominant, ubiquitous in the genome, and can be obtained by relatively cheap and simple technologies. With markers it has been possible to introduce linkage as a new dimension in genetic analysis, allowing map construction, dissection of quantitative traits, association genetics, positional cloning of genes of interest and the study of genome evolution based on the comparison of the genome positions of homologous markers. These developments have led to multiple applications for plant breeding, including cultivar fingerprinting, major gene or QTL (quantitative trait loci) assisted selection, whole-genome selection in backcross programs, and genomic selection, which have been adopted by most breeders as tools to enhance the efficiency of conventional methods of plant improvement. This paper summarizes the research conducted in Catalonia that has been pioneering in this area at the international level, particularly for horticultural crops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keywords: molecular markers, genetic variability, marker-assisted selection, plant improvement</div>Pere Arús
Copyright (c)
131915HDL function and novel HDL-targeted therapies for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: From mouse models to human disease
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS/article/view/144258
<div>Although significant evidence supports the concept that low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the failure of several HDL-targeted therapies to reduce CVD has cast doubts on the HDL-C hypothesis. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is currently thought to be a major HDL cardioprotective property by which HDL promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells and delivers that cholesterol to the liver, from where it will be partly eliminated through bile and feces. Beyond RCT, HDL exhibits other cardioprotective properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Data from genetically-engineered mice indicate that these HDL functions are closely associated with atherosclerosis susceptibility, thereby suggesting that the promotion of HDL functional properties may be considered a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce the atherosclerotic plaque burden and subsequent cardiovascular events. Furthermore, the potential anti-tumorigenic role of HDL is currently under investigation. This research has been essential for trying to translate experimental results obtained in mice to humans. The results of several recent human studies indicate that enhanced macrophage cholesterol efflux, the first step of RCT, is inversely associated with CVD events. Therefore, the current research is focused on improving HDL function rather than simply targeting HDL-C levels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keywords: HDL, cardiovascular disease, CETP, apoA-I, ATP-binding cassette, reverse cholesterol transport, nuclear receptors</div>Marina CanyellesLídia CedóJosep JulveJoan Carles Escolà-GilFrancisco Blanco-Vaca
Copyright (c)
1311732Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute: research centre for cancer, neurosciences and translational medicine
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS/article/view/144259
<p>The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center for cancer, neurosciences and translational medicine established in 2004 in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, south of Barcelona. Its local partners are the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB) and the Viladecans Hospital, both part of the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the town council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. In 2009, it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Institute of Health. IDIBELL also carries out high-level basic, epidemiological, translational and clinical research though three areas and nine research programs, aiming at an effective translation of scientific advances into the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of health problems and promoting innovation in health research.</p><p>Keywords: IDIBELL, Cancer, Neuroscience, Translational Medicine, Bellvitge.</p>Gabriel Capellá
Copyright (c)
1313336Translational medicine in Catalonia: the case of liver oncology
https://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CtS/article/view/144260
<p>Biomedical research has improved during the last decade in Catalonia, which is currently a well-recognized international biomedical scientific hub. The policy of head-hunting and attraction of talent fostered by the Catalan Government through the ICREA Professorship initiative has been successful. In 2006, I was appointed as ICREA Professor and started a research group in Translational research in liver oncology at IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic in Barcelona. This appointment was possible due to a suitable environment in this institution, both regarding liver and translational medical research. This article summarizes some of the major advancements in translational medicine, liver research and translational hepatic oncology achieved during the last decade.</p><p> </p>Josep M. Llovet
Copyright (c)
1313740