Maria J. García-León Email & Phone Number

Strasbourg, Fr

Strasbourg, Fr

Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Grand Est, Fr

Responsible for designing, validating, executing and integrate cell-based assays and pharmacology studies across various programs with novel small molecule candidates. Daily duties include thorough data analysis, report delivery to management and collaborators, coordination with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and experimental management of a team of 2-3 people. We develop and validate cell-based immune assays, involving multiple immune and tumor cell types for target validation, potency testing, target binding and efficacy assessment, aiming to provide a mechanistic understanding of new therapeutic leads. I am also involved in biomarker discovery using proteomics, transcriptomics, and multiplex immunohistochemistry. Additionally, I am engaged in the immunomonitoring of cancer patient-derived samples treated with lead compounds from phase I clinical trials, mostly by multiparamentric flow cytometry and MSD. Finally, I am responsible of DTx Molecular Biology Platform, leading the development and standardization of assays for nucleic acids isolation, quality control, qPCR, RNAseq and gene expression analyses. This role have notably enhanced my adaptability to shifting priorities and deep my understanding of drug development workflows.

Paris, 13, Fr

Responsible for management, assay development, design, execution and data analysis of two projects investigating the role of mechanical forces and blood platelets in solid tumor cell metastasis. The aim was to identify novel targets for anti-cancer drug development and provide proof-of-concept for a novel anti-platelet antibody with anti-metastatic properties. With the aid of a multidisciplinary team composed of physicists, MDs, mathematicians and engineers, we developed innovative in vitro cell culture microsystems, in silico cell adhesion models and pre-clinical in vivo models of breast and melanoma metastatic cancer. Within this role I acquired proficiency in advanced imaging, data analysis and biostatistics and I particularly enjoyed the multidisciplinary and dynamic collaboration with team members and external partners.

Within this role I led a multifaceted project within the ThymiStem European Network to regenerate thymic function via donor-derived human stem cells. I led the design and validation of complex multicellular in vitro microsystems (2D/3D co-cultures, spheroids, organoids, fetal thymic organ cultures). Evaluated system viability, architecture, and efficacy through live-cell fluorescence, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemisty. I strengthened my project management and scientific writing skills through regular work packages delivery and evaluation meetings. I particularly enjoyed the continuous interaction with other European teams and the contribution to scientific outreach of our activities via the EuroStemCell Network, engaging non-specialized audiences at Science festivals, conferences, and workshops.

Madrid, Comunidad De Madrid, Es

During my PhD, I gained proficiency in human Immunology, hemato-oncology, and T cell development -and related cell-based in vitro assays-. I managed and executed multiple projects focused on understanding human HSCs/T cells development and leukemia (T-ALL) pathogenesis within the in vivo microenvironment. This aim was addressed by using pre-clinical humanized in vivo models of leukemia and HSC transplant and by in vitro cellular models from donor-derived samples, employing quantitative confocal microscopy and multiparametric flow cytometry. My research led also to the development of an in vitro co-culture system for producing off-the-shelf anti-tumoral human cytotoxic gd T cells, system for which an European patent has been submitted. I collaborated with other internal and external partners to on identify novel therapeutic targets for leukemia treatment, resulting in promising pre-clinical studies targeting the Notch1/IL-7/CD44 axis with novel mAbs and SMIs. Within this role I consolidated myself as a scientist by developing skills such as project management, organization, scientific writing, data analysis, and I developed a systematic and rigorous way of working that led me to acquire remarkable critical thinking.

Madrid, Comunidad De Madrid, Es

Responsible for the experimental execution and data analysis of a project aimed to identify new therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases and cancer by the study of chemokine receptors (GPCRs) desensitization on human immune cell populations and HSCs. Our main goal was to test if by targeting desensitization proteins such as arrestins, RGS and GRK proteins we could modulate HSC development and anti-tumoral immune responses. To do so I managed several in vitro cellular models of gain- and loss-of-function of such proteins in different lineages of human and mouse immune cells and I characterized GPCR cell signalling. Within this role, I acquired capital technical skills such as project management, scientific writing, cell culture, calcium signalling, confocal microscopy, cell migration and chemotaxis assays, and classic immunologic and molecular biology techniques.

Madrid, Madrid, Es

During my stay at the Carlos III Hospital in Madrid, I was involved in clinical research on the project “Prediction of response factors to antiretroviral treatment in HIV positive patients according to their resistances pattern: EUROGENE study group”. My main tasks consisted of the surveillance of different cohorts of HIV patients taking different antiretroviral cocktails by studying their virus antiretroviral resistant pattern (viral RNA isolation and sequencing). Further statistical analysis of resistance pattern results and clinical data were used to adjust the antiretroviral cocktail to each individual patient and characterize HIV dynamics in response to each drug. These also allowed us to characterize drug efficacy along time and identify predictors of therapeutic outcome for each drug or combination of drugs. Additional tasks included, writing reports and contributions to workshops of results obtained and presentation of data at internal and external meetings and international conferences.

Amsterdam, Nl

During my stay at the Experimental Oncology at AMC (Amsterdam) as an Erasmus student, I was involved in experimental research on human enteric cancer pathogenesis. The work was in the context of the project: “Role of BMP and Hedgehog signaling in Helicobacter pylori infected stomach”, and aimed to search for new targets for therapeutic intervention. Other regular tasks included data analysis, different laboratory maintenance duties and presentation of data at internal meetings.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Molecular Biology And Immunology

Certificate, Animal Experimentation A + B

Master'S Degree, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Stem Cell Research And Regenerative Medicine

Biology, Biomedical Sciences, General