Patricia Sancho, PhD: Principal Investigator

I’m a Cellular Biologist, passionate about science and, especially, about cancer research.

I obtained by PhD in 2004 and moved to Paris (Pasteur Institute) for a first short posdoct. After that, I joined Dt. Isabel Fabregat´s lab in 2006 at IDIBELL (Barcelona, Spain). In 2012, I joined Prof. Heeschen´s group at CNIO (Madrid) as staff scientist. I started my independent career as a Lecturer at Barts Cancer Institute (London, UK) in 2014 and moved the lab to Zaragoza (IIS Aragón) in 2017.

Funding this group has been the most amazing adventure, and I feel grateful and proud of each one of its members. Team work is our most representative value!

Alejandra González Loyola, PhD: associate PI

I am a Molecular Biologist intrigued to find new avenues for cancer therapies by modulating the vascular network. With that purpose I have combined the multidisciplinary fields of vascular biology, cancer microenvironment and tissue engineering. I performed my PhD in Prof. Marcos Malumbres’ lab (2010-2015) at CNIO, where I obtained a solid background on cell and molecular biology and animal models. For my postdoc I joined in 2015 the lab of Prof.Tatiana Petrova, in Switzerland. This period gave me the knowledge and expertise on vascular biology, tumor microenvironment and cancer therapies. After obtaining a highly competitive Maria Zambrano Returning Talent Fellowship in 2022, I started working on the mechanobiology of tumor microenvironment as Senior Scientist at the M2BE lab at I3A, University of Zaragoza. In June 2023 I have started a new adventure at the Metabolism and Cancer Stem Cell lab (IIS Aragón) thanks to obtaining an MSCA Seal of Excellence grant. Since 2025 I am an ARAID principal investigator. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8612-0393.

Beatriz Parejo-Alonso, PhD: postdoctoral researcher

I’m a recently doctorated (UNIZAR, 2023) Biomedical Scientist. In 2008, I met Dr. Patricia Sancho during the practical training of my 2-year specialty degree in Pathological Anatomy and Cytology (IDIBELL, Barcelona). Since then, I knew I wanted to pursue a scientific career in cancer. I obtained both my BSc (UB, 2014) and MSc (UB-UAB, 2016) degrees in the beautiful city of Barcelona, where I am from. After that, I joined Dr. Sancho’s team to start the laboratory here in Zaragoza, first as a technician and then as a predoctoral researcher. During my PhD I’ve been able to delve into pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) features in order to turn them into vulnerabilities amendable for therapeutic intervention. Now, I’m continuing expanding my knowledge as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab working in a completely new landscape: the immunoevasive phenotype of PaCSCs. I’m beyond grateful and happy to be able to continue side by side with Patricia and the team!

Alba Royo-García, Msc: PhD student

I’m a Biochemist and Molecular Biologist and a Biotechnologist. Since I was a child I have been keen on science. I used to do home-made experiments pretending to be scientific. When I was in the high school I was passionate about biochemistry and particularly in the field of cancer. I was graduated in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology by the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona. I developed one of the final degree projects in Dr. Sancho’s laboratory. Afterwards, during the term of September 2020 – February 2021 I have done a post grade on Specialization in Research in Scientific Areas in the University of Zaragoza, whose practicums I did in Dr. Sancho’s lab. Later, I joined in her laboratory for 9 months from March 2021 until November 2021 as a research technician. In October 2021 I started the Master on Cellular and Molecular Biology in the University of Zaragoza, and I carried out my master’s final project in the group. Very recently, I obtained a predoctoral contract from the Spanish AECC, starting on September 2022. I am delighted to keep being part of this group!!

Irene Chavarría, Msc: PhD student

I studied Health Biology at Universidad de Alcalá and a master’s degree in Initiation to Mental Health Research at Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I worked for two years at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (Madrid) studying the effects of antipsychotics and their impact on lipid metabolism.

My main scientific interest focuses on understanding biological and cellular mechanisms, particularly within cancer and neurobiology. I joined Dr. Patricia Sancho’s laboratory at IIS Aragón, where I worked for one year researching the inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism as a potential therapeutic strategy for medulloblastoma . Last year, I was awarded a predoctoral grant from AECC, and I am excited to continue developing this project over the next four years.

Ariadna Arranz Lorente, Msc: PhD student

Aitana Martin Manrique, Msc: PhD student

When I was little, I used to play “science” with my mum, pretending to be a scientist. Looking back, I guess that childhood game shaped the path that eventually led me here.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria and completed my undergraduate thesis at the University of Surrey (UK). Following this, I pursued a Master’s in Translational Medicine Research at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, carrying out my Master’s thesis at the CIB Margarita Salas thanks to a JAE Intro-CSIC fellowship.

Even before finishing my studies, I knew I wanted to join Patricia’s team. I have always been deeply motivated by the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. In the summer of 2026, I moved to Zaragoza to start my PhD. My research focuses on investigating the role of the ALK signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer, specifically looking into tumour progression, chemotherapy resistance, and immune evasion. I am incredibly excited to be part of a team working to better understand one of the deadliest cancers and, ultimately, contribute to developing more effective treatments that can make a real difference for patients and their families.

Nicoleta Trasculeasa, Msc: research technician

PhD students in co-supervision

Isabel Villaoslada Casaled, Msc: PhD Student

Pursuing my interest in development a research career in Biomedicine, I graduated as a Biotechnologist at the University of Zaragoza in 2019. During my last year, I studied abroad with the Erasmus program at the Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania where I developed my final bachelor thesis. Later I enrolled in the Master in Health Biotecnology at the Pablo de Olavide University. During my Master final thesis, I took part in a translational research group where I improved my knowledge in the field of clinical biotechnology in two different approaches, one of them related to laboratory techniques and a more clinical approach when working with direct patient samples. Motivated by my enthusiasm for contributing to the welfare of the society, I am currently doing my PhD in Dr. Sancho’s lab in collaboration with Dr. García Aznar’s group which consists in the development of tumor-on-chip platforms for studying new therapeutical approaches for PDAC treatment. also working in a collaborative team that specializes in microchip devices. I am grateful and looking forward to learning all I can in this new stage of my career!

Paula Martín-Rubio, Msc: PhD student

Since I strongly believe that science is a powerful tool to improve society, I have led my career toward biomedical research. I graduated in Biotechnology from University of Zaragoza in 2018. During my 4^th course, I participated in a student exchange at National University of Litoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. In 2020, I obtained a master degree in Genetics and Evolution from University of Granada. I performed my final master project in Genetics of Complex Diseases group of GENYO Centre, which was awarded with Honors. In 2021, I joined Dr. Sancho’s lab to work on a project that use metabolism to find therapeutic targets for medulloblastoma. I worked during two years in this exciting project, trying to get new insights that could help pediatric patients. In January 2024, I started my PhD, which will be co-supervised by Dr. Rebeca Sanz Pamplona and Dr. Patricia Sancho Andrés. Thanks to a pFIS fellowship, I will work to use NK cells as a treatment for lung metastasis in gastrointestinal tumors. I’m looking forward to giving my best in this new opportunity!

Former members of the group

Former Msc and Bsc students

Diego Pérez Rafeles. Undergrad student (01/09/2025-30/06/2026). Bsc Thesis:”Validation of a metabolic signature for the classification of pancreatic cancer patients”.

Andrea García Céspedes. Msc student (01/07/2024-30/06/2025). Msc thesis: “Role of fibroblast–tumor cell communication in the aggressiveness and response to ALK pathway inhibitors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma”.

Julia Aznar Bailón. Undergrad student (09/2024-07/2025). Bsc Thesis: “Role of the transcription factor PPARD in the interaction between adipocytes and pancreatic cancer stem cells”.

Inés Ortiz de Solórzano. Msc student (10/23-06/24). Msc thesis: “Chemosensitivity profile based on metabolic classification of pancreatic cancer: chemotherapy and metabolic inhibitors”

Andrés Gordo. Undergrad student (10/23-06/24). Bsc Thesis: “Assessing pancreatic cancer stem cell´s phenotype under adaptation to serine and glycine deficiency: role in the metabolic plasticity and immune evasion properties”

Andrei Stoian. Msc student (03/21-08/21). Msc thesis: “Role of lipid droplets as chemoresistance mechanism in pancreatic cancer”.

Luis Mardomingo. Undergrad student (10/21-01/22). Bsc thesis: “Combination of chemotherapy and ALK receptor inhibitors to improve pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes”

Alicia Lasierra. Msc student (02/20-06/20). Msc thesis: “Relationship of mitochondrial dynamics with aggressive phenotypes of pancreatic cancer: pluripotency and migration”

Alba Royo. Undergrad student (07/19-08/19). Bsc thesis: ” Inhibition of mitochondrial dynamics preferentially targets pancreatic cancer cells with enhanced tumorigenic and invasive potential”.

Hazel Santander. Undergrad student (10/17-06/18). Bsc thesis: ” Inhibition of lipid metabolism in primary cultures from pancreatic cancer patients”.

Amy Rose Hudson. Undergrad¹ student (09/16-02/17). Bsc thesis: “Cellular effects of the inhibition of the tyrosine kinase receptor ALK in Pancreatic Cancer”.

Elia Marcos, Msc. Undergrad student (02/16-06/16). Bsc Thesis: “Differentiation state dictates sensitivity to oxidative stress in Pancreatic Cancer Cells”.

Andrés Cano, Msc. Msc student (10/15-06/16). Msc Thesis: “Single Cell Gene Expression Analysis of Circulating Tumour Cells from an orthotopic in vivo model of human Pancreatic Cancer”.

Nitin Sewani, Msc. Msc student (03/15-08/15). Msc thesis: “Drug Sensitivity Profiling of Metformin-Resistant Cancer (Stem) Cells”.

Former visiting students