Roberto Montoro Ferrer
Contact info
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Address
VU University
De Boelelaan 1085, W&N Bldg, Rm G350
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands -
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Short CV
2019-present | PhD candidate | Amsterdam UMC |
2017-2019 | Master of Science in Neuroscience | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
2014-2017 | Biotechnology degree | Universidad Católica de Valencia |
Research
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder distinguished by a spectrum of progressive neurodegenerative outcomes affecting the white matter. ALD is characterized by deficiencies in ABCD1, which result in accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in tissues and plasma and impairment of peroxisomal VLCFA -oxidation. The role of VLCFAs in the pathogenesis of ALD and how its accumulation eventually leads to the loss of myelin in patients remains unknown. Animal models do not fully recapitulate the disease pathophysiology. Therefore, the aim of my PhD project is to generate an in vitro organoid model of ALD using iPSCs derived from ALD patients to decipher its underlying neuropathogenesis.