Scientific Report 2013

Abstract

One of the most enjoyable aspects of 2013 was to witness the growing list of new CNIC articles making waves in top flight journals. And it was especially pleasing to see that while some of the hard hitters came from senior researchers, others were the work of groups led by younger investigators who have established their groups at the CNIC over the last few years. It is also wonderful to witness the comprehensive scope of these publications, which span the arc of the CNIC’s activity. We had articles investigating fundamental cellular processes—in energy metabolism (José Antonio Enriquez), the self-selection of the fittest cells early in embryonic development (Miguel Torres), and intercellular communication via the transfer of nanovesicle-encapsulated regulatory RNA molecules (Francisco Sánchez-Madrid). Meanwhile, other studies generated knowledge of developmental and physiological processes more directly related to cardiovascular disease, for example the role of heartbeat in the generation of the epicardial layer that envelops the heart (Nadia Mercader) or the role of diurnal cycles in regulating hematopoietic stem cell activity (Andrés Hidalgo). Studies with a more explicit clinical orientation included the identification of potential new avenues toward the treatment of atherosclerosis (Juan Miguel Redondo), Progeria aging disease (Vicente Andrés) and heritable cardiomyopathy (José Luis de la Pompa). Among studies with immediate clinical implications, a highlight was the first data from the METOCARD trial, led by Borja Ibañez and Valentín Fuster. The results, published in October, reveal an astounding ability to limit infarct size simply by administering a cheap off-the-shelf drug during transit of a heart attack patient to hospital. [...]