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Alejandro Alfredo Rojas Fernandez

Assistant Professor

UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE

Valdivia, Chile

Líneas de Investigación


The role of post-translational modifications in human diseases; The role of SUMO modification of ERG in prostate cancer; The role of SUMO modification of TFEB in starvation responses Generation of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for human disease

Educación

  •   Engineering in Molecular Biotechnology, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE. Chile, 2005
  •  PhD in Biochemistry, UNIVERSITÄT KONSTANZ. Alemania, 2010
  •   Engineering in Molecular Biotechnology, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE. Chile, 2006

Experiencia Académica

  •   Assistant Professor Full Time

    UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE

    Medicina

    Valdivia, Chile

    2016 - A la fecha

Experiencia Profesional

  •   Investigador de pregrado Part Time

    Universidad de Chile

    Santiago, Chile

    2000 - 2004

  •   tesista de pregrado Full Time

    Universidad de Chile

    Santiago, Chile

    2004 - 2005

  •   PhD thesis Full Time

    Universitet Konstanz

    Konstanz, Alemania

    2006 - 2010

  •   Ayudante Part Time

    Universidad de Chile

    Santiago, Chile

    1999 - 1999

  •   Postdoctoral Researcher Full Time

    Universidad de Dundee-MRC

    Dundee, Reino Unido

    2010 - 2013

  •   Associated staff Other

    Dundee University

    Dundee, Reino Unido

    2016 - A la fecha

  •   Editorial board member Other

    Nature group: Journal Scientific report

    London, Reino Unido

    2016 - A la fecha

  •   Assistant professor Full Time

    Universidad Austral de Chile

    Valdivia, Chile

    2016 - A la fecha

  •   Posdoctoral Researcher Full Time

    Dundee University

    Dundee, Reino Unido

    2013 - 2016

Formación de Capital Humano


-Acreditation as supervisor for PhD thesis direction 05/04/2016
1-Undergraduate thesis supervisor Paulina Martinez (medical technology) 2016-2018
2-Ms. Genetics thesis co-supervisor Johanna Himmelreich (Biotechnology) 2016-2017
3-Undergraduate thesis co-supervisor Yorka Cheuquemilla (Biochemistry) 2016- 2017
4-PhD thesis co-supervisor Eduardo Papic Vargas (Phd in cell and molecular Biology) 2016- present
5-PhD thesis supervisor Alexei Cuevas (PhD Biomedical Sciences) 2016- present
6-PhD thesis supervisor Ronald Jara (PhD Biomedical Sciences) 2016- present
7-PhD thesis co-supervisor Zaray Miranda PhD Biomedical Sciences) 2016- present
8-PhD thesis co-supervisor Constanza Salinas PhD Biomedical Sciences) 2017- present
9-Undergraduate thesis co-supervisor Sebastian Gonzalez (Biochemistry) 2019- 2021
10-RISE Worldwide- Research Internships in Science and Engineering Student Frieda Bittelman 2019
11-RISE Worldwide- Research Internships in Science and Engineering Student Anja Rathgeber 2019
12- PhD Research Internships in Chile. Santander fellowship graduate student Ana Valera University of Murcia 2017
13- PhD Research Internships in Chile. Santander fellowship graduate student Natalia Lopez-Gonzalez del Rey 2019
14- Research Internships University Paraselsus Austria in Science Md Stundent Katja Thiel 2019
15 RISE Worldwide- Research Internships in Science and Engineering Student awarded Janine Burkhalter 2021


Difusión y Transferencia


2016

Interview-1: Alejandro Rojas, aportando valor al territorio a través de la ciencia. Programa de Atracción y Retención de Talento Innovador para la Región de Los Ríos. http://www.partilosrios.cl/web/index.php/noticias-2016/item/82-alejandro-rojas-aportando-valor-al-territorio-a-traves-de-la-ciencia.

Interview-2: Radio Universidad Austral programa “A ciencia cierta” Descripción de Nanobodies contra virus emergentes Tem 2. Cap 23 http://www.ivoox.com/nanobodies-contra-virus-emergentes-tem-2-cap-23-audios-mp3_rf_13516845_1.html

Interview-3: (13/12/2016): Diario el Ciudadano OPINION Unas tijeras moleculares revolucionan la edición del ADN Novedosa, eficiente y de bajo costo, es el sueño de los biólogos moleculares que, gracias a esta tecnología, pueden intervenir el genoma de casi cualquier organismo, para modelarlo o repararlo. Este avance de la biotecnología es el denominado CRISPR/Cas9. http://www.elciudadano.cl/2016/12/13/344471/unas-tijeras-moleculares-revolucionan-la-edicion-del-adn/

Press note-1: Diario austral de Chile: Expertos Internacionales analizan origen de enfermedades ligadas al envejecimiento. http://cisne.uach.cl/2017/01/10/expertos-internacionales-analizan-origen-de-enfermedades-ligadas-al-envejecimiento/#more-1699

Community talk: Instituto de Filosofía y ciencia de la complejidad (7/12/2016) "La revolución ha comenzado: CRISPR/Cas9 y las nuevas tecnologías de edición génica" Paseos por la complejidad expositor Alejandro Rojas http://ificc.cl/en/content/la-revoluci%C3%B3n-ha-comenzado-crisprcas9-y-las-nuevas-tecnolog%C3%ADas-de-edici%C3%B3n-g%C3%A9nica

Interview-4: Diario Austral Cientificos de la Austral buscan formula contra el Hanta http://www.australvaldivia.cl/impresa/2017/04/09/full/cuerpo-reportajes/4/
Press note-2: Cientificos de la Austral desarrollan investigación para combatir virus emergentes como el hanta http://www.diarioelranco.cl/?p=170178


Premios y Distinciones

  •   • Recommended article by Faculty of 1000

    UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE

    Reino Unido, 2014

    Recommended article by Faculty of 1000, biomedical experts helping scientists to discover, discuss and publish research: Rojas-Fernandez A, Plechanovová A, Hattersley N, Jaffray E, Tatham MH, Hay RT (2014). SUMO chain-induced dimerization activates RNF4. http://f1000.com/prime/718321518?ref=ypp

  •   • High commended image in the microscopy images competition 2015

    UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE

    Chile, 2015

    High commended image in the microscopy images competition 2015: Best image taken using the OMX microscope or other GE healthcare imaging systems. Image: SUMO bodies after SENP6 ablation.

  •   Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship of Becas Chile

    UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE

    Chile, 2013

    Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship of Becas Chile: October 2013- October 2015

  •   • High commended image in the microscopy images competition

    UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE

    Reino Unido, 2013

    High commended image in the microscopy images competition 2013, Visions of Discovery. Image: The Ying Yang of SUMO foci formation.

  •   PhD fellowship DAAD

    UNIVERSITY OF KONSTANZ

    Alemania, 2006

    Doctoral Fellowship of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Fellowship with Prof. Martin Scheffner, University of Constance, Germany. Project “Regulation of Hdm2/HdmX-mediated ubiquitination and Neddylation”, October 2006-March 2010

  •   Fellowship for undergraduate investigators

    UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE

    Chile, 2002

    Fellowship for undergraduate investigators from Millennium Institute for Advanced Studies in Cell Biology CBB, University of Chile, 2002-2003

  •   Medal of the City of Valdivia

    ILUSTRE MUNICIPALIDAD DE VALDIVIA

    Chile, 2021

    Medal of the City of Valdivia for Scientific response against COVID-19 (2021). This is one of the highest recognitions given by the city of Valdivia.

  •   Medal 2nd of October Region de los Rios

    Region de los Rios

    Chile, 2019

    Medal 2th of October for Science and innovation: This medal is the major recognition for science contributions in the XIV region of Chile “los Rios” 2019


 

Article (17)

Potent neutralization of clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 D614 and G614 variants by a monomeric, sub-nanomolar affinity nanobody
Neuronal surface P antigen (NSPA) modulates postsynaptic NMDAR stability through ubiquitination of tyrosine phosphatase PTPMEG
The Potential Role of SARS-COV-2 in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease
The Proteasomal Deubiquitinating Enzyme PSMD14 Regulates Macroautophagy by Controlling Golgi-to-ER Retrograde Transport
Identification of Endogenous Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Interaction Partners and beta-Catenin-Independent Targets by Proteomics
WDR90 is a new component of the NLRC4 inflammasome involved in Salmonella Typhimurium resistance
DHX15 regulates CMTR1-dependent gene expression and cell proliferation
Autophagosomes cooperate in the degradation of intracellular C-terminal fragments of the amyloid precursor protein via the MVB/lysosomal pathway
Regulation of membrane ruffling by polarized STIM1 and ORAI1 in cortactin-rich domains
An affinity-directed protein missile system for targeted proteolysis
Rapid generation of endogenously driven transcriptional reporters in cells through CRISPR/Cas9
SUMO Chain-Induced Dimerization Activates RNF4
Iron supply determines apical/basolateral membrane distribution of intestinal iron transporters DMT1 and ferroportin 1
Turning the RING Domain Protein MdmX into an Active Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase
Antioxidant responses of cortex neurons to iron loading
Apical distribution of HFE-beta 2-microglobulin is associated with inhibition of apical iron uptake in intestinal epithelia cells
Hereditary hemochromatosis: An opportunity for gene therapy

Proyecto (11)

SUMO modification of Chaf1a: New mechanisms of epigenomic replication
Desarrollo de Nanobodies de Alpacas con alto valor social y/o comercial
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inflammasome activation using nanobodies
Nanobody tool kit to unravel autophagosomal biogenesis
Proyecto Cooperación Corea UACH KOICID
Early detection and cellular disintegration of αSynuclein aggregates using nanobodies
Production of Nanobodies for post-translational modifications: Simple antibodies for big challenges
Generación de una plataforma para la producción de Nanobodies recombinantes en alpacas para combatir virus emergentes
SUMOylation of the transcription factor TFEB regulate its function on Autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis
Use of siRNA screening to identify ubiquitin-related pathways involved in Alzheimer's Disease
Characterisation of Ubiquitin-proteasome pathways involved in the regulation and turnover of the prostate oncogene ERG
28
Alejandro Rojas

Assistant Professor

UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE

Valdivia, Chile

5
Marco Nuñez

Professor

Biology

Fac. Ciencias, Universidad de Chile

Santiago, Chile

3
Pabla Aguirre

Asistente de investigación

Biología

Universidad de Chile

Santiago, Chile

2
PATRICIA BURGOS

Associate Professor Programa de Doctorado en Biología Celular y Biomedicina CEBICEM

UNIVERSIDAD SAN SEBASTIÁN

Santiago, Chile

2
Hianara Bustamante

Profesora Auxiliar

Instituto de Microbiología Clínica

Universidad Austral de Chile

Valdivia, Chile

1
Guillermo Valenzuela

Investigador Posdoctoral

Facultad de Medicina

Universidad Austral de Chile

Valdivia, Chile

1
Waldo Cerpa

Profesor Asociado

Biología Celular y Molecular

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

Santiago, Chile

1
Inge Wyneken

Full Professor

Medicina

UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES

Santiago, Chile

1
Karina Cereceda

Investigador post doctoral

Diagnóstico

Fundación Arturo López Pérez

Providencia, Chile

1
Viviana Cavieres

Postdoctoral Researcher

Medicina y Ciencias

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago , Chile

1
Jorge Cancino

Associate Professor

Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago, Chile

1
Luis González

Full Professor

School of Medicine

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago, Chile

1
GONZALO MARDONES

Associate Professor

Medicine

Universidad San Sebastián

Valdivia, Chile

1
Bredford Kerr

Profesor Asociado

CEBICEM

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago, Chile

1
Andrea Soza

Profesor Asociado

Medicina y Ciencia

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago, Chile

1
Pedro Chana Cuevas

Profesor Titular

Facultad de Ciencias Medicas

Universidad de Santiago

Santiago, Chile

1
Fabián Segovia

Assistant professor

Department of Cell Biology

Universidad de Concepción

Concepción, Chile

1
María Barake

Becaria Postdoctoral

Facultad de Medicina y ciencia

Universidad San Sebastián

Santiago, Chile

1
Lorena Varela

Assistant Professor

Biological Sciences

Universidad Andres Bello

Santiago, Chile

1
Maria Paz Marzolo

Profesor Titular

Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular

PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE, FAC. CIENCIAS BIOLOGICAS, DEPTO. BIOLOGIA

Santiago, Chile

1
Juan Asenjo

Professor

CHEMICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING

University of Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile

1
Constanza Salinas

Postdoctorado

Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe)

Universidad Austral de Chile

Valdivia, Chile

1
FRANCISCO NUALART

Full Professor and Scientific Director

Cellular Biology and Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO

UNIVERSIDAD DE CONCEPCION

Concepcion, Chile

1
Yedy Israel

Profesor Titular

Farmacologia Molecular y Clinica

UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, FACULTAD DE CS QUIMICAS Y FARMACÉUTICAS, LAB. FARMACOTERAPIA GÉNICA

Santiago, Chile