2023-12-20 18:44:08
The Venezuelan biologist, Elizabeth Merentes Díaz, was awarded the Special Prize, mention in Natural Sciences, Cellular Biology, in the XIX edition of the National Awards for Science, Technology and Innovation 2023, awarded by the Bolivarian Government, through the Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology.
Dr. Merentez Díaz is a graduate of the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), where she works as a professor – researcher and head of the Tissue Culture and Tumor Biology Laboratory. She achieved the Magna Cum Laude degree of Doctor of Science from Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary, 1993.
His current line of research is focused on strengthening the scientific infrastructure of the Tissue Culture Laboratory and tumor biology of the Institute of Experimental Biology (UCV).
Additionally, he works on the study of the “Amniotic Membrane as a source of stem cells in the bioenergy of osteochodrogenic tissue.”
“In 1993, we began to develop various lines of research with stem cells; stem cells from different types of tissues; adult tissues and embryonic stem cells,” he says.
He adds that in recent years they have dedicated themselves to the study of the human amniotic membrane and the umbilical cord.
“This is a new source of stem cells, which can be used for what is called tissue bioengineering, reconstructing tissues in vitro; That allows you a potential application in the future in what is called regenerative medicine,” he explains.
The biologist mentions that in Venezuela professionals are being trained in the area of cell cultures and histology, which means a great boost for science.
“Basic research that will allow you to produce epithelial tissue, osteo-chondrogenic tissue, cardiac tissue. These cell lines can be cryopreserved and this helps you establish tissue banks, cell banks,” he said.
The value of amnion for life
Regarding this important research work, the Minister of Popular Power for Science and Technology, Gabriela Jiménez Ramírez, said that “the amnion is a thin, avascular membrane derived from the epiblast of the embryo, it is composed of an epithelial layer and an external layer. of connective tissue. The cells of this tissue are a good option for regenerative medicine, both for their phenotypic plasticity and for their immuno-modulatory capacity.”
He adds that one of their main characteristics is that “they can be easily available, acquired without invasive procedures and their use does not provoke ethical debate. “Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are isolated from term placentas that are normally discarded after delivery.”
He adds that “the implementation of new protocols for the isolation of amniotic cells can contribute to the field of cells derived from the amnion taking into account their potential in tissue regeneration.”
For this reason, he congratulates the “ethics, talent and commitment of Dr. Elizabeth Merentes, a woman of Science, whose research is dedicated to the training of personnel and the development of stem cell technologies in the country to strengthen the public health system.”
1703101157
#Elizabeth #Merentes #investigates #contributions #stem #cells #regenerative #medicine