
Eugenia Morselli
Profesor Asociado de Planta Ordinaria
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Santiago de Chile, Chile
Autophagy; Primari Cilium; Metabolism; Obesity
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Cellular and Molecular Biology, UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-SUD, PARIS XI. Francia, 2010
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Medical Biotechnology, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI MODENA E REGGIO EMILIA. Italia, 2007
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Assistant Professor Full Time
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Chile
2014 - 2018
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Associate Professor Full Time
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Biological Sciences
Santiago de Chile, Chile
2018 - A la fecha
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Associate Professor Full Time
Universidad San Sebastián
Facultad de Medicina
Santiago de Chile, Chile
2022 - A la fecha
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Associate Professor Full Time
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago de Chile, Chile
2014 - 2021
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Associate Professor Full Time
Universidad San Sebastián
Santiago, Chile
2022 - A la fecha
a) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
1- Carla Narro
Effect of Saturated Fatty Acids on Autophagy and hypothalamic neurons function.
Biology, Universidad Cayetano Heredia (Perú)
August 2018- August 2019 (graduated)
2- Rebeca Contreras
Role of the primary cilium in basal and induced autophagy in hypothalamic neurons.
Biotechnology, Universidad Andrés Bello
June 2019 –August 2020 (graduated)
3- Daniela Pinto
Role of the primary cilium in insulin signaling in hypothalamic neurons
Biochemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
August 2021-May 2022 (graduated)
b) MASTER STUDENTS
Jasson Espinoza
Stearic Acid impairs autophagy in hypothalamic neurons
Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
March 2019-June 2021 (graduated)
c) GRADUATE STUDENTS
1- Maria Paz Hernández (graduated, 8th April 2020)
Palmitic acid inhibits the autophagic flux in hypothalamic neurons.
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
2- Lilian Toledo (graduated, 16th December 2022)
Palmitic acid activates pro-inflammatory pathways and reduces insulin sensitivity by activating hypothalamic G protein–coupled receptor 40 (GPR40).
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
3- Catalina Kreschmar (graduated, 21st April 2023)
Role of the Primary Cilium in TGF-b-induced inflammatory response in hypothalamic neurons
PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences
Universidad de Chile.
4- Lorena Carvajal (graduated, 4th July 2023)
Study of the role of oxLDL in autophagy-dependent invasion and remodeling of trophoblast cells in
preeclamptic pregnancies.
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
6- Andreina Arias (graduated – 6th of December 2024)
Study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause infertility and cholesterol excess in oocytes
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
2019- ongoing
7-Francisco Diaz (graduated - 19th of March 2025)
Role of mitophagy in hypothalamic neurons of lean and obese mice in food intake in response to fasting
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
2022- ongoing
8-Patricia Rivera (PhD Candidate)
Study of the cytoskeletal control of glucose transport mediated by autophagy in hypothalamic neurons
PhD Program in Biological Sciences (Physiology)
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
2022- ongoing
9- Javiera Acevedo (PhD Candidate)
The role of the primary cilium in the metabolic response to insulin through mitochondrial regulation
PhD Program in Cellular Biology and Biomedicine
Universidad San Sebastián
2023-ongoing
10- Daniela Pinto (PhD Candidate)
Role of the primary cilium in regulating mitochondrial function and maintaining body weight in agouti related-peptide (AgRP) neurons
PhD Program in Cellular Biology and Biomedicine
Universidad San Sebastián
2024-ongoing
11- Juan Castro (PhD Candidate)
Contribution of Insulin Resistance to Neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease
PhD Program in Chronic Diseases
Universidad San Sebastián
2024-ongoing
d) POST DOCTORAL FELLOWS
Yenniffer Ávalos, May 2016- March 2021. Postdoctoral Project N°3180209. “Autophagy and Primary Cilium Crosstalk: a new mechanism in the regulation of insulin sensitivity” (2018-2020). Currently Assistant Professor at Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
Daniel Peña, March 2020- March 2023. Postdoctoral Project N°3200313. “Sucralose inhibits autophagic degradation of Tight and Adherens junctions in in vitro and ex vivo models of periodontitis” (2020-2022). Currently Associate Professor at Universidad San Sebastián.
• Interview on the Newspaper “El Mercurio” “Looking for a way to enhance the beneficial effects of estrogens in men”, July 22nd, 2015.
• Coffee with the Doctor (activity realized during the Biochemistry congress, Santiago 2015), July 23rd, 2015.
• Interview to “Canal 13” (TV program “Teletrece AM”) regarding the results published by the World Health Organization on the correlation between meat consumption and cancer, October 27th, 2015.
• Interview on the Newspaper “El Mercurio” “Vegans need a better balance in their diet and require vitamin supplies”, March 23rd, 2016.
• Interview on the Newspaper “El Mercurio” “Intermittent fasting or eating reduced amounts of food have a positive effect on health and state of mind” 4 de May 4th, 2016.
ORGANIZATION OF WORKSHOPS AND SIMPOSIA
- Organizer of the mini-simposium “Round Table: “Autophagy: Expanding the Knowledge”, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Abate Molina, Santiago, Chile, September 21st, 2015.
- Organizer of the Symposium “Key Roles Of Autophagy In Chronic Diseases”, (XXXVIII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Chile), Puerto Varas, Chile, Septiembre 25th 2015.
- Co-organizer of the Workshop “Autophagy: Physiological and Pathological Roles”, Facultad de Cs. Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile, November 23rd and 24th, 2016. Workshop financed by the “International Cenre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)”.
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Keystone Symposia Travel Award
Keystone Symposia
Estados Unidos, 2014
Travel award to assist and give a short oral communication to theKeystone Conference "Obesity: A Multisystems Perspective (J2)" Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, CANADA, January, 2014.
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Price “Adelina Gutierrez” for Excellence in Science
ACADEMIA CHILENA DE CIENCIAS
Chile, 2021
Premio cuyo objetivo es contribuir a la promoción de la Ciencia en el país e incentivar a las investigadoras jóvenes menores de 40 años
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Chilean Society of Cell Biology and GrupoBios, Young Investigator Award
GrupoBios y Sociedad Chilena de BIología Celular
Chile, 2023
Premio de Excelencia Cientifica Para Investigadores menores de 40
Loss of autophagy in hypothalamic neurons may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity |
Aging |
Mutant p53 Located in the Cytoplasm Inhibits Autophagy |
New emerging roles of Polycystin-2 in the regulation of autophagy |
Impact of short and long exposure to cafeteria diet on food intake and white adipose tissue lipolysis mediated by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (vol 14, 1164047, 2023) |
IKK connects autophagy to major stress pathways |
The life span-prolonging effect of sirtuin-1 is mediated by autophagy |
Evidence of autophagic vesicles in a patient with Lisch corneal dystrophy |
RCAN1 trisomy and the control of PINK1 levels in the survival of human Down's syndrome induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes |
Autophagy and Primary Cilium Crosstalk=> a new mechanism in the regulation of insulin sensitivity |
Mechanisms of Autophagy in Obesity |
Autophagy, primary cilium and inflammation in neurons and astrocytes |
Autophagy, primary cilium and inflammation in neurons and astrocytes |
Polycystin2-Beclin-1: a novel protein complex in autophagy regulation |
Polycystin2-Beclin-1=> a novel protein complex in autophagy regulation |
Red Internacional para el estudio de la Autofagia |
Saturated fatty acids activate the fatty acid receptor GPR40: implication in autophagy, inflammation and insulin sensitivity |
Saturated fatty acids activate the fatty acid receptor GPR40=> implication in autophagy, inflammation and insulin sensitivity |
International Network for the Study of Autophagy |

Guillermo Díaz
Académico
Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS Y FARMACÉUTICAS
Santiago, Chile

SERGIO LAVANDERO
Director
Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS)
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, FAC CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS Y FARMACÉUTICAS
Santiago, Chile

Mario Chiong
Profesor
Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular
Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Andrew Quest
Full Professor
Biologia Celular y Molecular
FACULTAD DE MEDICINA, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago, Chile

Susan Bueno
Profesor Asociado
Genética Molecular y Microbiología
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Santiago, Chile

PATRICIA BURGOS
Associate Professor Programa de Doctorado en Biología Celular y Biomedicina CEBICEM
UNIVERSIDAD SAN SEBASTIÁN
Santiago, Chile

Vicente Torres
Associate Professor
Institute for Research in Dental Sciences
FACULTAD DE ODONTOLOGÍA - UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago, Chile

Andrea Leiva
Profesor Asociado
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Universidad San Sebastián
Santiago, Chile
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Ramón Sotomayor
Full Professor
Institute of Physiology
UNIVERSIDAD DE VALPARAÍSO, FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS, DEPARTAMENTO DE FISIOLOGÍA
Valparaíso, Chile
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Mariana Cifuentes
Professor
Instituto de Nutricion y Tecnologia de los Alimentos
INTA UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago, Chile

Victor Cortes
Associate professor
Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Pablo González
Associate Professor
Molecular Genetics and MIcrobiology
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Alfredo Criollo
Associated Professor
Research Institute in Dental Sciences
Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Dolores Busso
Associate Professor
Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica
Universidad de Los Andes
Santiago, Chile

Roberto Bravo
Assistant Professor
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Eugenia Morselli
Profesor Asociado de Planta Ordinaria
Fisiología
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CHILE
Santiago de Chile, Chile

Melissa Calegaro
Principal Investigator, head lab
Research Vice Presidency
Universidad Mayor
Santiago, Chile

Patricio Silva
Investigador Principal FONDEF
Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular
Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Jorge Toledo
Investigador
Centro de Investigacion Clinica Avanzada CICA
Universidad de Chile, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Yenniffer Ávalos
Profesor Asistente
Departamento de Biología
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Cheril Tapia
Profesor Asistente
Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia
Universidad San Sebastián
Santiago, Chile

Omar Vallejos
Lab Manager y Coordinador
Genética Molecular y Microbiología
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Amelina Albornoz
Profesor Asistente
Virología Molecular
Fundación Ciencia & Vida/USS
Santiago, Chile

CESAR RAMIREZ
Assistant Professor
Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Rodrigo Troncoso
Associate Professor
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos
Santiago, Chile

Zully Pedrozo
Associated Professor
Physiology and Biophysical
Universidad de Chile
SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Chile

Catalina Pardo
Profesor Asistente
Dpto. de Salud del Niño y Adolescente
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Region Metropolitana, Chile

Carlos Sepulveda
Investigador Postdoctoral
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile.
Santiago, Chile

Cristina Bertocchi
Assistant Professor
Department of Physiology
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

Jorge Cancino
Associate Professor
Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina
Universidad San Sebastián
Santiago, Chile

Fabián Segovia
Associate professor
Department of Cell Biology
Universidad de Concepción
Concepción, Chile

Hianara Bustamante
Profesora Auxiliar
Instituto de Microbiología Clínica
Universidad Austral de Chile
Valdivia, Chile

Daniel Peña
Investigador postdoctoral
Departamento de Fisiología
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile

PABLO TAPIA
Investigador postdoctoral
Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM)
Universidad San Sebastián
Santiafgo, Chile