Structure-function insights into αMβ2 integrin/CR3 actions in immune-surveillance by patrolling monocytes. Alicia G. Arroyo and Cristina Vega

27 ene 2026 - 12:58 CET

FICHA DESCRIPTIVA DEL PLAN DE FORMACIÓN OFERTADO_JAE-INTRO-ICU 2026
Título del plan:
Structure-function insights into αMβ2 integrin/CR3 actions in immune-surveillance by patrolling monocytes
Investigadores responsables:
Alicia G. Arroyo and Cristina Vega
Email de contacto personal investigador:
agarroyo@cib.csic.es & cvega@cib.csic.es
Página web: https://www.cib.csic.es/research/molecular-biomedicine/matrix-metalloproteinases-angiogenesis-and-inflammation
&
https://www.cib.csic.es/research/molecular-and-cellular-biosciences/structural-biology-host-pathogen-interactions
Resumen del plan:
How do immune cells patrol our blood vessels, and how can tiny changes in
membrane lipids control this process?
Patrolling monocytes (PMo) are immune cells that crawl along blood vessel walls, acting as
sentinels that detect and remove damaged cells and harmful particles from the circulation.
This activity is essential to maintain vascular health and prevent excessive inflammation. A
key molecule controlling PMo behavior is the adhesion receptor integrin αMβ2 (CR3), which
allows them to attach to the endothelium and recognize danger signals such as complement
fragments.
Although αMβ2 is known to switch between inactive and active shapes, how its activity is
fine-tuned at the plasma membrane is poorly understood. Based on our recent structural
studies (Fernández et al., Nat Commun 2022) and previous work identifying a GPI-
anchored MT4-MMP protease that cleaves αM (Clemente et al., Nat Commun 2018), we
propose a new regulatory mechanism: that the presence of αMβ2 at GPI-enriched lipid
domains may regulate αMβ2 activity and boost intravascular PMo protective actions.
The JAE-Intro-ICU fellow will investigate this hypothesis using a combination of
experimental and computational approaches. The work will include studying protein-lipid
interactions using biophysical methods, validating these interactions in monocytes, and
applying molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations to understand how
membrane lipids influence integrin structure and regulation.
What you will learn:
You will gain hands-on experience in immunology, membrane biology, and introductory
structural bioinformatics. You will learn to design experiments, analyze data, and integrate
laboratory and computational approaches to address a biologically relevant question with
translational potential.
This project offers an excellent introduction to interdisciplinary biomedical research and may
contribute to host-targeted therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease, cancer and
neuroinflammatory disorders.
Requisitos obligatorios específicos
a) Rama de Grado:
Es requisito haber cursado o estar cursando un Grado en:
Ciencias (Biología, Bioquímica, Biotecnología, etc.) o Ciencias de la Salud (Biomedicina,
Farmacia, etc.).
b) Nota media del expediente académico de Grado:
Acreditar una nota media en una escala de 0 a 10, con dos decimales, igual o superior a
8.00
c) Máster Universitario Oficial:
Si se han finalizado los estudios de Grado, estar prematriculado o matriculado en un máster
oficial en áreas tales como la
Biomedicina Molecular, Biotecnología, Bioquímica, Biología estructural, Inmunología, etc.
Otros méritos valorables (opcional):
- Buen nivel de inglés (B2)
- Interés y formación teórica y/o práctica en biología estructural y/o computacional