- Gema Moreno Bueno, researcher at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, has been appointed new Scientific Director of the Cancer area of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERONC), following approval by the Consortium’s Governing Council
Gema Moreno Bueno, Full Professor of Biochemistry at the Facultad de Medicina of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), assumes the scientific leadership of the Cancer area of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERONC) succeeding Anna Bigas. Her appointment recognizes a solid scientific career in translational oncology and her strong commitment to collaboration among research groups within the cancer area.
She currently heads the Department of Cancer at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale (IIBM), a joint center of the UAM and the CSIC, and leads the Investigación Traslacional en Cáncer del Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS). She is also an adjunct professor at University of Texas and at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and is responsible for the Laboratorio de Investigación Traslacional y de la Unidad de Diagnóstico Molecular at the Fundación MD Anderson Cancer Center España - Hospiten. In addition, she is involved in external relations for Conexión-Cáncer CSIC.
At the IIBM, where she leads the Molecular Pathology in Cancer Group Gema Moreno conducts extensive research focused on the molecular and translational pathology of cancer, with particular emphasis on breast and gynecological tumors. Her work addresses one of the major challenges in oncology: understanding the biological complexity of tumors to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and patient treatment.
Her research lines focus on the identification of novel molecular alterations through the analysis of large tumor cohorts and high-throughput genomic technologies, as well as on the study of intratumoral heterogeneity and cancer evolution. In parallel, her group works on the discovery and validation of predictive and prognostic biomarkers using molecular pathology techniques.
In addition, her research explores the biochemical and biological mechanisms underlying tumor behavior, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets and developing innovative treatment strategies. In this context, her team integrates approaches ranging from basic research to preclinical validation and translational application, including the development of targeted therapies and nanotechnology-based tools.
Among her most notable contributions is the identification of the protein Gasdermin-B (GSDMB) as a key factor in tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and therapy resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. This discovery has opened new avenues for the development of targeted therapies, currently being pursued by her team through the design of specific nanotherapies and the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating its pro- and anti-tumoral functions.
Throughout her career, Gema Moreno has held several roles within CIBERONC,including group leader, training coordinator, and member of its scientific committee, which reinforces her deep understanding of the structure and challenges of the area. Her appointment as Scientific Director of CIBERONC marks a new stage in which she will continue to promote scientific excellence, collaboration among research groups, and progress in cancer research from a translational perspective, bridging basic research and clinical application.
This recognition also strengthens the role of the IIBM as a leading center in biomedical research and in the generation of knowledge aimed at improving public health.
The full press release published by CIBER is available HERE