María de Ujue
Moreno Zulategui

I obtained my degree in Biochemistry (2000) from the University of Navarra and continued with postgraduate studies under Drs. Guillermo Zalba y Javier Díez, receiving my PhD in 2004. It consisted in the identification and characterization of genetic variants of the human CYBA gene, which encodes the p22phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase systems. I trained in diverse molecular and cell biology techniques in the context of oxidative stress and cardiovascular pathophysiology. After a short stay in the same group, I carried out a postdoctoral stay (March 2006 - December 2008) in the group of Prof. Ana Dominiczak at the BHF-Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre (United Kingdom), where I investigated the implication of the NADPH oxidase systems in patients with coronary artery disease. In 2009 I joined the Program of Cardiovascular Diseases led by Prof. Javier Díez. I have contributed to investigating the mechanisms by which oxidative stress and the NADPH oxidase systems contribute to cardiovascular disease. My work highlights the relevance of the activation of the NADPH system of circulating cells in the context of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Further work identified the key role of the myocardial NADPH oxidases in the myocardial remodelling that underlies heart failure, identifying the pathological role of Nox2 and providing evidence in patients for the controversial role of Nox4. I have investigated the role of myocardial fibrosis in heart failure, as a researcher of the Laboratory of myocardial remodelling and heart failure of CIMA-University of Navarra, with a special interest in the molecular mechanisms that contribute to collagen deposition as well as potential biomarkers for precise diagnosis. Our projects include state of the art ‘omic’ techniques for the identification of novel circulating biomarkers in heart failure. The group is part of CIBECV, the Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Network, where I have been (2017-2021) scientific manager of the Biomarkers and Precision Medicine Program, led by Prof. Díez. I have been an associate lecturer (2013-2021) and from 2021 full-time lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics of the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra, supervising master and graduate projects as well. I am co-author of more than 45 research publications, with more than 1900 citations and an H index of 22. I have presented my work in national and international forums. I am part of numerous competitive research projects, including European grants. I have been PI in one national and one regional competitive project. I am accredited by the Spanish National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) with 3 six-year research periods and as University Lecturer (Profesor Titular).