Unraveling central disease mechanisms to identify novel metabolic therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders with the ultimate goal to improve patient treatment. We work to better understand energy metabolism in the brain, mainly centered on glia, and its impact on major neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, Alzheimer´s disease and Frontotemporal dementia). Neuropharmacology of brain diseases targeting microglia and astrocyte receptors. My current research focuses on microglia cells and their immunometabolic and neurochemical interactions with astrocytes and neurons. Lately we take advantage of neuropharmacological approaches to modulate glia metabolism and function by targeting a diverse range of receptors. Expertise in brain cell lines and primary cultures of brain cells, transgenic animal models and cutting-edge cell-based model systems such as human induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as high-output biochemical analytical methods including mass spectrometry (GCMS), liquid chromatography (HPLC) and live-cell bioenergetics (Seahorse Analyses).

1. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF BRAIN ENERGY AND AMINO ACID METABOLISM:

Elucidate the molecular and cellular pathways regulating energy intake and expenditure in the brain, with a particular focus on the roles of glial cells (microglia and astrocytes) in neuronal energy and amino acid metabolism. Investigate the functional interactions between glia and neurons under physiological conditions to characterize the dynamics of brain energy homeostasis.

1. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF GLIAL ENERGY METABOLISM IN NEURODEGENERATION:

Identify and characterize key alterations in glial energy metabolism associated with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer´s disease. Explore how these metabolic disruptions contribute to neuroinflammation, neuronal dysfunction and disease progression, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer´s disease and related dementias (FTD, PD).

1. MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS INTO THE EFFECTS OF SCFAS AND MCFAS ON BRAIN METABOLISM:

Investigate the mechanisms of action of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFAs and MCFAs) on brain function, employing pharmacological tools to target glial and neuronal metabolic pathways. Assess their effects in both healthy and neurodegenerative contexts, with the goal of identifying dysregulated pathways susceptible to metabolic interventions and potential novel therapeutic strategies.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the beliefs that as researchers is our responsibility to share knowledge and that education should inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a deep understanding of the subject matter. I strive to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore complex concepts and ask questions that drive their intellectual growth. By integrating cutting-edge research with foundational knowledge, I aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for real-world challenges. I emphasize active learning and collaborative problem-solving, encouraging students to think independently while fostering a sense of community within the classroom. My goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence to become lifelong learners and contributors to the scientific community.

Bibliographic overview
Public outreach: Talks at Medicinens Verden: The healthy and the sick brain. Talks at the Global Scientific Network (for Mexican scientists abroad).
Full Publication list:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/blanca%20irene.aldana.1/bibliography/public/
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5027-1218

Education:

-PhD in Biomedical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Graduated with Honors.

- BSc in Biomedical Research, UNAM, Graduated with Honors.

Professional Affiliations:

- 2024-present: Head of Research Section-Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen (UCPH).

- 2022-present: Associate Professor, Group leader of the NeuroMetabolism Research Group, UCPH.

- 2019-2022: Assistant Professor, UCPH.

- 2014-2018: Visiting Scientist/Postdoc, UCPH.

- 2014: Research Assistant, Centre for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico.

- 2013-2014: Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Anahuac University, Mexico.

Experiences and Assignments:

- Head of Research Section-Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology.

- Head of NeuroMetabolism Research group at ILF.

- Member of the Drug Research Academy (2022-).

- Member of Neuroscience Academy Denmark-Neuroinflammation column (2022-).

- Communication responsible for the Metabolism and Inflammation Research Cluster, ILF.

Awards and Honours:

- 2024: Alzheimer-forskningsfonden Research Prize.

- 2023: Nominated as Teacher of the Year, University of Copenhagen.

- 2023: Emerging Investigator Award, International Society for Neurochemistry.

- 2020: IBRO Early Career Award.

- 2016: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Grant for postdoctoral stays in Europe and America.

- 2015: CONACyT award for postdoctoral stays in Europe.

- 2009-2013: CONACyT Grant award for PhD studies.

- 2008: PAPIIT Award, UNAM.

Teaching Roles:

- Supervised and mentored Postdocs, PhD students, MSc students, BSc students, and other research trainees.

Main current courses-

- Course director and teacher in Farmaceutisk biologi, University of Copenhagen.

- Teacher in “In-Vitro Techniques in Biochemistry and Pharmacology,” UCPH.

- MSc course Principles of Pharmacology, MSc Neuroscience Program, UCPH.

- Lector of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences.