1. EXPERTISE,
CAPABILITIES &
INFRASTRUCTURES

2. BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISATION OF PROTEINS – Prof. Víctor Muñoz
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SPECIFIC SKILLS since 2000 and has won the Searle Scholar Award, and the
David and Lucille Packard Fellowship for Science and
From basic research, the group aims to contribute with In the investigations there are employed kinetic techniques Engineering. He moved to Spain in 2007 as a professor at
advances which help to understand protein behavior since (stopped-flow, continuous flow, temperature-jump), steady the Center for Biological Investigations of the CSIC at
2000. Such as it is known, this protein behavior is the cause of state microscopy (fluorescence absorption, circular Madrid. He was elected to the European Molecular Biology
many diseases (Alzheimer´s, Parkinson´s, cystic fibrosis, and dichroism), nuclear magnetism resonance, single molecule Organization in 2009.
many forms of cancer). The group focuses on investigations studies and high performance computing to answer
around Conformational and Functional Behavior of question concerning the intimate behavior of proteins. The further group´s personnel is formed by 6 doctors in
Proteins through a multidisciplinary approach, borrowing different science fields (physics, chemistry and biology), 4
concepts and methodologies from condensed matter physics, From these techniques, our group is able to perform the Ph.D. students that include skills such as pharmacy and
physical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, computer science, characterization of stability and kinetics of protein folding bioinformatics.
protein chemistry, and molecular and cell biology. with the maximum accuracy that current technology allows.
Click here to see selected publications
During last years, the group has provided experimental We are able to perform:
COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
evidence for a mechanism of protein folding called as ♦ Characterization and understanding of secondary and
“downhill folding”. Dr. Victor Muñoz has been pioneering folding protein structure. Prodestech. Prodestech is a scientific consortium devised to
various techniques, both computational and experimental, to ♦ Studies on the effects of environmental conditions (salts, make specific advancements towards the goals of Protein
study this mechanism as well as to gain insights into the denaturants, pH, etc.) on proteins folding. Design and Engineering technologies in a synergistic way
general process of protein folding. ♦ Studies on protein aggregation and refolding through. wherein the group is the coordinator. The project is funded
♦ Bioinformatic data management techniques. See more since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science & Technology
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP through the Consolider Programme.
Specific projects currently developed by the group are: COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS
We are used to collaborate with many groups and
♦ Exploration of protein folding ensembles ♦ Molecular Biology Standard Techniques. companies worldwide in projects related with proteins.
♦ Structure prediction and design through calculation of ♦ Cell Biology Standard Techniques We are looking for joining to consortiums or offer research or
folding free energy surfaces ♦ Protein Production consultancy services interested in joining to projects where we
♦ Understanding downhill folding and testing the molecular could contribute with our know-how and technical skills on the
rheostat hypothesis EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES conformational and functional behavior of proteins.
♦ New concepts and approaches in protein aggregation
and refolding CONTACT
We are based on the Biological Investigations Center –
CSIC. In case you were interested in our collaboration,
please feel free to contact us at:
Principal Investigator: vmunoz@cib.csic.es
Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
Tel: +34 91 837 31 12 Ext: 4389/4438
OUR TEAM
Fax: +34 91 536 04 32
Dr. Muñoz has been a member of the faculty of the Dpt. c/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9. 28040 Madrid. CIB-CSIC Lab 004
1. NMR of Protein BBL; 2. Energy Landscape of folding protein Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland (USA)
http://tmg.cib.csic.es/

3. PROTEIN ENGINEERING & ENERGETICS – Prof. Jose Manuel Sanchez-Ruiz
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ♦ Application of evolutionary approaches to protein COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
engineering.
The group has many years experience in the application of The group has a broad expertise in collaborative work with
calorimetric approaches biological problems and in the study SPECIFIC SKILLS research groups of prestige, including groups at Columbia
of the structure-energetics relationship in proteins as a basis University (single molecule analysis of enzyme catalysis),
for the application of protein engineering to The group has a strong background in the application of Johns Hopkins (protein electrostatics) Bergen (14-3-3
biotechnologically relevant problems. microcalorimetry to biological problems and also in proteins) and NIH (ultrafast folders), as well as with the
biochemical kinetics, bioinformatics, bioenergetics, protein groups in the Prodestech consortium. We also collaborate in
We aim to get closer to society through collaborations with folding and protein engineering. studies of protein engineering and related biotechnological
public and private institutions devoted to applied research and biomedical applications with private companies, such as
and trough the transfer of the developed technology to the GENERAL AND COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS
Noricum or Novozymes.
industrial sectors. Other expertise includes molecular biology and directed
evolution. Prodestech. Prodestech is a scientific consortium devised to
make specific advancements towards the goals of Protein
EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES Design and Engineering technologies in a synergistic way
wherein the group participates actively. The project is funded
since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science & Technology
through the Consolider Programme.
We are open to make available our broad knowledge and
multidisciplinary technical skills on proteins and specifically on
protein refolding in any type of projects with the aim of
going forward in the global knowledge at this field.
Mapping of E. coli thioredoxin 3D structure
We are interested in joining to consortiums, offer research or
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP consultancy services and, in general, taking part in projects
where we can contribute with our know-how and technical
The group is currently carrying out active research in the skills.
following topics: Capillary differential scanning calorimeters with autosampler units for
enhanced throughput determination of protein stability CONTACT
♦ Analysis of irreversible protein denaturation and protein
kinetic stability. OUR TEAM We wish to offer our know-how and research services as
♦ Surface electrostatic design in protein engineering. CRO or simply to set up new partnerships in order to open
♦ Experimental determination of energy landscapes for Dr. Jose Manuel Sanchez-Ruiz is Full Professor of Physical new research lines within our knowledge field.
ultrafast protein folders. Chemistry at the University of Granada. He has published In case you were interested in our collaboration, please feel
about 100 scientific papers appearing cited 2742 in the free to contact us at:
♦ The molecular basis of misfolding and mistargeting
Thompson ISI. He is currently a member of the Editorial Board
diseases. Principal Investigator: sanchezr@ugr.es
of Biochemical Journal and previously was a member of the
♦ The relationship between protein biophysics and protein Editorial Board of Biophysical Chemistry for 7 years. Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
evolution.
The group is formed by 5 doctors, 6 Ph.D students (5 chemists, Tel: +34 958 24 31 89
♦ “Resurrection” and experimental characterization of Fax: +34 958 27 28 79
Precambrian proteins. 1 chemical engineer, 5 biologists) and 1 technician.
http://prodestech.cib.csic.es/members/group-2

4. SYNTHETIC MICROBIAL MACROMOLECULAR ASSEMBLIES – Prof. Rafael Giraldo
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ♦ Engineering amyloid assemblies as novel nano-tools in Click here to see selected publications
vitro and as functional scaffolds in vitro.
Our group aims to contribute minimal microbial model COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
♦ Synthetic biology of ligand-induced conformational
systems for pre-clinical applications (screening and switches (design of protein devices to artificially control
diagnostic tools) in the area of protein amyloidosis, which is Inside the CIB we work in collaboration with several groups
DNA replication and amyloid assembly; protein arrays and fields: S. Moreno (immuno-cytochemistry/iEM), G. Rivas
related to many human degenerative diseases. engineering; and feasibility assessment on microbial (cytomimmetic chemistry), V. Muñoz (FTIR spectroscopy), A.
Over a decade, our basic research on proteins bearing modules. Romero (X-ray crystallography), E. de Alba (NMR) and O.
Winged-Helix (WH) domains involved in replication initiation Llorca (EM reconstruction of amyloid fibers).
of bacterial plasmids and yeast chromosomes has allowed
us to unravel the molecular basis for a ligand (DNA)- Within Spain research sector we collaborate with: J.M.
promoted and chaperone (Hsp70)-modulated conformational Valpuesta, CNB-CSIC (EM on chaperones), F. Moreno, CNB-
remodeling, building a switch between functional activation CSIC, Madrid (AFM on amyloid fibers), P. Chacón, IQFR-
or amyloid aggregation. We are now interested in the CSIC, Madrid (in silico studies on amyloid fibers), F. De la
development of application such as microbial (bacterial and Cruz, Cantabria U. (Engineering conjugative relaxases). We
yeast)-based biosensors for the screening of small are an active partner of the PRODESTECH Consortium,
molecules capable to inhibit or control protein amyloidosis project funded since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science &
Technology through the Consolider Programme.
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP We also maintain synergistic collaborations along worldwide:
Specific projects currently developed by the group are: GENERAL AND COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS Ariel Lindner, CRI-París, France (microfluidics), Igor Konieczny,
IFB-Gdansk, Poland (Structure and assembly of Rep proteins),
♦ Conformational activation and primers of synthetic protein ♦ Cell Biology (bacteria and yeast) Ana Paula Ulian-Araújo, IFSC-Sao Paulo, Brasil (Septin
and protein-DNA macromolecular complexes ♦ Molecular Biology amyloidosis) and Rosalba Lagos, U. Santiago, Chile (Microcin
♦ New microbial model systems for tackling protein ♦ Biophysics amyloidosis).
amyloidosis.
EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES We are looking for joining to consortiums or offer research or
More info at the group web. consultancy services interested in joining to projects (i.e. our
Apart from the equipment typical in a Molecular Biology expertise fits perfectly on the 7FP´s call HEATLH.2013
SPECIFIC SKILLS laboratory (to handle with DNA and proteins), the group has Functional validation in animal and cellular models of genetic
The group has expertise on in vivo studies (bacterial and access to the common facilities at CIB-CSIC, including electron determinants of diseases and ageing processes) where we could
yeast genetics), including fluorescence and immune-electron and confocal microscopes, analytical ultracentrifuge, contribute with our broad know-how and technical skills.
microscopies, and in vitro approaches such as biochemistry fluorimeter, spectropolarimeter, mass spectrometers, DNA
and peptide synthesizers, plate readers, etc. CONTACT
and biophysics of complex systems: protein assemblies,
protein-DNA interactions or surface adsorption (using OUR TEAM In case you were interested in our collaboration, please feel
techniques such as electrophoresis, CD and fluorescence free to contact us at:
spectroscopies, protein and nucleic acid chemistry, electron Dr. Rafael Giraldo is internationally recognized on the study Principal Investigator: rgiraldo@cib.csic.es
microscopy, analytical centrifugation and light scattering) of the Molecular Biology of bacterial plasmids and in the Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
fields of protein-DNA interactions and Synthetic Biology. Tel: +34 91 837 31 12 Ext: 4348/4349
♦ Screening of amyloidosis inhibitors and modulators in
microbial systems. The group is currently formed by 2 senior scientists, 3 Fax: +34 91 536 04 32
postdoctoral researchers, 1 Ph.D. student and 1 technician. c/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9. 28040 Madrid. CIB-CSIC Lab 347
http://www.cib.csic.es/en/grupo.php?idgrupo=61

5. STRUCTURAL BIOPHYSICS OF CELL DEATH BY NMR – Dr. Eva de Alba
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SPECIFIC SKILLS OUR TEAM
In our group we aim at gaining an in-depth understanding on Our group has strong expertise in all aspects of Dra. Eva de Alba is an independent researcher at CIB since
the molecular bases of programmed cell death (apoptosis) multidimensional homo- and hetero-nuclear solution NMR 2007 and was staff scientist at the National Institutes of
using an approach based on Structural Biology and experiments using magnetic field NMR spectrometers (600 Health (USA) from 2002 to 2007. Besides about 25 articles
Biophysics. The dysfunction of apoptotic pathways derives in MHz spectrometers), with a solid background in several NMR (707 cites in SCOPUS), she has written several book chapters
several pathologies including cancer, autoimmune and fields: and several reviews in NMR methodology, as well as being
neurodegenerative disorders. awarded in 2006 with a Marie Curie International
♦ Pulse sequence programming and implementation Reintegration Grant to move from the USA to CIB-CSIC
The group focuses its research in determining protein 3D ♦ NMR data acquisition, processing and analysis (Spain).
structure by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance ♦ Protein structure calculation
(NMR) and other biophysical methods together with protein ♦ Refinement and analysis of protein dynamics from The group is also formed by four post-doctoral scientists with
biochemistry, molecular biology and peptide synthesis. The magnetic relaxation measurements multidisciplinary training.
final objective is to study structure (molecular and atomic),
dynamics, protein interactions, recognition and Click here to see selected publications.
oligomerization, of proteins involved in cell death pathways, COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
protein-membrane binding, connections between
order/disorder and function in natively unfolded proteins, Prodestech. Prodestech is a scientific consortium devised to
coupled folding and binding and protein membrane structure, make specific advancements towards the goals of Protein
mechanisms and intrinsically disordered proteins in general. Design and Engineering technologies in a synergistic way
wherein the group participates actively. The project is funded
since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science & Technology
through the Consolider Programme.
We are open to make available our broad knowledge and
multidisciplinary technical skills on proteins and NMR in any
type of projects (better if related with our disease fields) with
the aim of going forward in the global knowledge at this
Tentative structural model of Harakiri´s operating mode
field.
Moreover, we have a strong expertise for combining this
NMR data with other techniques such as AFM, CD, CONTACT
Electrostatic surface of gpW fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, etc. to provide deeper The group is based in the CIB, belonging to CSIC. In case
analysis. you were interested in our collaboration, please feel free
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP to contact us at:
GENERAL AND COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS
Specific current projects currently developed by the group Principal Investigator: dealba@cib.csic.es
are: ♦ Molecular biology standard techniques Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
♦ Protein and peptide production (CIB Service)
♦ Biophysics of intrinsically disordered proteins. E.g., Tel: +34 91 837 31 12 Ext: 4390
members of the BCL-2 family of apoptosis regulator SIGNIFICANT EQUIPMENT Fax: +34 91 536 04 32
proteins.
♦ 600 MHz Spectrometer c/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9. 28040 Madrid. CIB-CSIC Lab B05
♦ Structure, dynamics and oligomerization of modular
proteins of the Death Domain superfamily. http://www.cib.csic.es/en/grupo.php?idgrupo=69

6. TISSUE ENGINEERING GROUP. Prof. José Luis López Lacomba
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SPECIFIC SKILLS Thompson ISI) and is the investigator of the patents
developed by Noricum.
The Tissue Engineering Group (TEG) of UCM develops The technological expertise of the Dr. Lacomba´s group
different clinical applications for recombinant human bone includes protein purification and molecular biology, cell Click here to see selected publications
morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) in tissue engineering since culture, cells assays and labeling, microarrays and COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
1996. In order to reach main goals the group acquired quantitative PCR, microscopy (normal, surface,
multidisciplinary skills in the areas of cell biology, materials fluorescence, confocal and interferometric), SEM, ESEM, Since its creation the group has been supported by private
and biological factors. μCT techniques, and development and manufacturing of companies –such as Centro de Oseointegración M-C, and
biopolymeric scaffoldings. Osfarma– and foundations –MICINN, FIB MMA– until, as
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP consequence of the application of the research into a patent,
On the other hand we are used to develop fieldwork
Our going research focus on the field of tissue engineering it was created a spin-off named Noricum in order to exploit
performing animal surgery especially in ovine, in order to
employing production and manipulation of biologically active clinical applications.
apply developed therapies in bone regeneration.
factors developed in cell lines as well as develop therapeutic Prodestech. Prodestech is a scientific consortium devised to
applications based on new materials. make specific advancements towards the goals of Protein
Target therapeutic areas are: Design and Engineering technologies in a synergistic way
wherein the group participates actively. The project is funded
♦ Bone Tissue since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science & Technology
♦ Articular Cartilage through the Consolider Programme.
♦ Nervous System
We are open to make available our broad knowledge and
multidisciplinary technical skills on proteins and specifically on
protein refolding in any type of projects with the aim of
going forward in the global knowledge at this field.
We are looking for joining to consortiums or offer research or
Regeneration of the bone treated with our carrier activated with consultancy services interested in joining to projects where we
rgBMP-2 in the control sheep. could contribute with our know-how and technical skills
GENERAL AND COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS CONTACT
Cell and molecular biology general skills are regularly In case you were interested in our collaboration, please feel
applied in our lab under strict quality standards. free to contact us at:
Principal Investigator: lacomba@farm.ucm.es
OUR TEAM
Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
The group is headed by Dr. José Luis López-Lacomba and Dr.
José Vicente Sanz Casado. Dr. Lacomba is Full Professor at Tel: +34 91 394 32 88
the UCM since 1989, after work at University of Granda Instituto de Estudios Biofuncionales. Pº Juan XXIII, 1.
(Ph.D.), John Hopkins University (Mariland, US), and Basement Level. 28040, Madrid
Three-dimensional studies, cell visualization and location in scaffolds Biozentrum der Universität (Basel, Switzerland). He has
published around 25 research articles (cited 521 times in the http://portal.ucm.es/web/ingenieria-de-tejidos/inicio

7. STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY OF MACROMOLECULAR ASSEMBLIES. Prof. Antonio Romero & Prof. Guillermo Gallego
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE GROUP COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
Our research group aims to unveil the structural basis of Prof. Antonio Romero carried out his Ph.D. at the Universidad Prodestech. Prodestech is a scientific consortium devised to
human diseases, covering from basic research in protein Complutense de Madrid and postdocs at the University of make specific advances in the fields of protein design and
function to drug development. For this we use X-ray Rennes (France) and the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry engineering technologies, where the group participates
crystallography and electron microscopy, combined with in Munich (Germany). Specific research interests focus on the actively. The project is funded since 2009 by the Spanish
other biophysical and biochemical techniques. Our structural biology of proteins involved in antibiotic resistance. Ministry of Science & Technology through the Consolider
investigations focus on bacterial infection and resistance, as Programme.
well as on repair, transcription and growth factors associated Prof. Guillermo Giménez-Gallego was part of the team that
with tumorigenic and neurological processes. isolated and described the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) at The group has established national and international
Merck. He showed that FGFs are important pro-inflammatory collaborations with experts in different fields, such as
CURRENT RESEARCH LINES proteins and led the discovery of inhibitors that are now in microbiology, cell biology, yeast genetics, native mass
clinical trials against different inflammatory diseases. He also spectrometry, bioinformatics, crystal growth, and clinical
♦ Proteins involved in bacterial antibiotic resistance discovered Iberotoxin and Charibdotoxin, two essential tools applications.
♦ Structural studies on the bacterial secretion machinery in electrophysiology. His publications have been cited above
6000 times. He was director of CIB for 8 years. Industrial collaborations have been developed during the
♦ Structure of DNA repair factors
years with several pharmaceutical companies, including Rovi,
♦ Structural basis of transcription Dr. Carlos Fernández-Tornero obtained his PhD at the CEMTRO, IPF-Pharmaceuticals, PharmaMar and
♦ Discovery of lead-compounds to develop novel drugs that Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. After a postdoc at EMBL- NeuroPharma.
inhibit the FGF signaling pathway and other proteins Grenoble in crystallography and EM of transcription
♦ Formation of the cell nucleus complexes, he became staff scientist at EMBL-Heidelberg. CONTACT
SPECIFIC SKILLS Since 2010 he leads a research team at CIB-CSIC. We aim to adapt ourselves to the new changing world
The group is further constituted by 5 postdocs in betting for the excellence on basic research, including
♦ X-ray crystallography multidisciplinary fields, 2 PhD students and 3 technicians. collaborations with other research groups and close contacts
♦ Electron microscopy with the industrial area.
♦ Isolation of macromolecular complexes Click here to see selected publications
We are open to share our broad knowledge and
♦ Structure-based drug design EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES multidisciplinary technical skills in structural biology, in order
to deepen our knowledge on the molecular basis of human
♦ X-ray diffractometer diseases. We seek to participate in research consortiums
♦ Crystallization robots where our expertise can contribute to achieve specific goals.
♦ Molecular biology equipment
♦ Protein purification equipment Scientific contact: gimenez_gallego@cib.csic.es,
Nano-crystallization robot romero@cib.csic.es, cftornero@cib.csic.es
OXA24 by X-ray New drug against FGF RNA Pol III by EM
Tech transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
GENERAL & COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS Tel: +34 91 837 31 12 Ext: 4244/4378/4327
♦ Molecular biology Fax: +34 91 536 04 32
♦ Bioinformatics Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas - CSICRamiro de
♦ Protein biochemistry Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid (Spain)
♦ Other biophysical methods X-ray generator Visualization system http://www.cib.csic.es/en/grupo.php?idgrupo=40

8. As you may appreciate, we cover both fundamental and
applied fields of the research making us capable to
participating in the project from being a single service provider
to join the project as a partner sharing risks and results.
If you are a research organization (both public and private) and
some of our capabilities and expertise will help you in your
project, feel free to contact us.
i.torres@cib.csic.es
http://prodestech.cib.csic.es/