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Imperial College London (ICL) is one of the UK’s leading research universities (currently ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025). Imperial is a science-based university with an international reputation in teaching and research, focusing on science,...
The Cell Biology Group at the Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) is working on research in the Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology. Its research is based on different aspects of Coenzyme Q (CoQ) biology from its synthesis and rare mitochondrial diseases associated with mutations in the proteins involved in its synthesis to the role of CoQ on antioxidant protection, chronic diseases and aging.
The Cell Biology Group at the Pablo de Olavide University is based in Seville, Spain. The group is working on research in the Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, a research centre in which groups of the Pablo de Olavide University and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) are working in collaboration in different projects and models, from bacteria to humans. The centre has facilities for microscopy, proteomics, genomics, cell culture, animal housing, biological analysis and physiological determinations.
The Cell Biology Group is composed by several senior researchers among full professor, senior researchers and technicians. The group has led and participated in one European research project in the sixth framework and in many Spanish research project focussed in the study of coenzyme Q10 in physiology including rare diseases. They also actively participate with other groups in the CIBERER, a network involved in rare diseases. The group has published many research articles in high level journals in relationship with rare diseases, coenzyme Q10 effects on physiology and development and exercise.
The Cell Biology Group participates in Work Package 1: PPB Process Optimization. The team will participate in this WP by optimizing the method for extraction, determination and quantification of coenzyme Q10 levels in different strains of PPB to decide which strain will be used for further WPs, especially WP3. Further, the team is the leader of Axis 2: Benefits of consumption of PPB for human health and WP3. Their work will control the development of the axis and will be directly involved, with other groups, in Task 3.2: short-term fafety and bioavailability test and Task 3.3. multicentric long term clinical study. The group will organize the intake of PPB by volunteers and the effect of PPB on health, bioavailability of CoQ10 and other components of PPB, analysis of cytokines in plasma and mitochondrial respiration in platelets in young and elderly volunteers.
Determination of Coenzyme Q by HPLC and LC/MS devices: extraction and analysis of Coenzyme Q from different samples by using HPLC and LC/MS espectroscopy.
Oxygraphy by Seahorse technology to determine respiratory capacity of cells, mitochondria and platelets.
Cell culture and separation of organelles and platelets from blood by using cell culture and centrifuge devices.
Analysis of cytokines in plasma, by using a Bio-Plex 200 system that permits the determinaton of custom-designed cytokine pannel in plasma.
These capabilities permit us to determine coenzyme Q levels, deficiency, effect on mitochondrial capacity and survival of cells.
The Cell Biology Group participates in different networks such as the CIBERER in the research about rare diseases associated with mitochondrial deficiency and in especial associated with mitochondrial deficiency. The project leader is the president of the International Coenzyme Q10 Association involved in the dissemination of research linked to coenzyme Q from basic research to clinics.
Prof. Dr. López-Lluch – Project Leader and contact person. Researcher in metabolism, antioxidant systems and aging. Expert in the role of coenzyme Q in aging and longevity in mouse and in humans.
Prof. Dr. Carlos Santos Ocaña – Senior Scientist, especialized in coenzyme Q synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its implication in the mitochondrial health, lifespan and ageing. Active researcher on rare diseases associated with coenzyme Q deficiency.
Dra. Gloria Brea-Calvo. Senior researcher focused on molecular bases of the coenzyme Q deficiency and bioenergetics along the development.
Dr. Daniel J. Moreno Fernández-Ayala. Contact person. Senior researcher on gene expression and development in coenzyme Q deficiency, as a model to establish the origin of the mitochondrial disease associated with coenzyme Q deficiency.
Dr. Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Aguilera. Senior researcher on the determination of coenzyme Q and related metabolites by HPLC techniques and analysis of mitochondrial DNA mutations associated with mitochondrial deficiency.
Other members: Dr. Emilio Siendones Castillo, Dr. Manuel Ballesteros Simarro, Dr. María Victoria Cascajo Almenara, Ms. Ana Sánchez Cuesta.