As a Ramón y Cajal Researcher, I am establishing an independent translational research line integrated within the University of Granada, GENyO and the ibs.GRANADA.
My career is driven by a central, paradigm-shifting concept: fibroblasts are not merely structural bystanders, but highly plastic, heterogeneous populations that actively dictate tissue health, inflammatory disease, and cancer progression.
By integrating single-cell transcriptomics, 3D organoid technologies, and complex in vivo models, my work has uncovered how distinct fibroblast lineages orchestrate immune evasion and drive metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. This expertise was forged during my PhD at UGR and postdoctoral training at BSRC Alexander Fleming and IRB Barcelona.
I aim to decode the systemic nature of cancer by uncovering how fibroblast-driven mechanisms orchestrate disease progression, ultimately translating these biological insights into next-generation, stroma-targeted therapies.
Training the next generation of scientists is a fundamental pillar of my academic mission. My goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research in stromal biology and the classroom, fostering critical thinking and guiding students from foundational concepts to advanced translational oncology.
University of Granada
Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Courses 2025/2026
PhD Candidates
"Dissecting TGFβ-Driven Resistance to αPD-L1 Therapy in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases"
University of Barcelona (UB)
"Functional impact of semaphorins in cancer-stroma crosstalk in Colorectal Cancer"
University of Barcelona (UB)
Undergraduate Mentoring
Irene Cardona — BSc in Biochemistry (TFG)
Our research leverages advanced model systems to dissect the complexities of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We view the TME not as a static background, but as a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem. Click the nodes below to explore the biological cascade we target:
Engineering 3D Tumor Niches
Mapping the Tumor Ecosystem
Unmasking Cellular Heterogeneity
Identified fibroblast lineages orchestrating intestinal immunity and lymphoid formation.
Nature Immunology.
Revealed how lineage-specific TNF signaling drives arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Nature Communications.
Decoding TGF-β driven remodeling and its role in immunotherapy failure.
Nature Genetics.
Our research is supported by prestigious agencies, focusing on the intersection of stromal dynamics and cancer immunotherapy.
Fibroblast and Extracellular Matrix Dynamics at the Pro-Metastatic Niche.
Decoding stromal control during homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer progression.
Targeting stromal complexity to treat advanced Colorectal Cancer.
I am always open to discussing new collaborations, sharing data, or exploring stromal biology. Reach out through my academic channels:
We are seeking motivated candidates interested in fibroblast plasticity and tumor immunity. Our lab offers a dynamic environment to develop a competitive scientific career.
🚀 Pre-doctoral Bridging Positions
Immediate short-term funding is available to support talented graduates while co-applying for competitive PhD fellowships (FPU, FPI, or regional grants).
🎓 Fellowship Sponsorship
I am highly committed to mentoring and sponsoring strong candidates for MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, and AECC fellowships.
Application: Send your CV and a brief statement of interest. High-academic records and previous lab experience are particularly valued.