Nerea Matamala Zamarro, member of the Molecular Genetics Group of the Institute for Research in Rare Diseases, receives the ALTA (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Award)

September 22, 2017.- Nerea Matamala Zamarro, a researcher in the Molecular Genetics Group of the IIER, Rare Diseases Research Institute of the Carlos III Health Institute, has just received the ALTA Award (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Award), endowed with with 50.000 euros, for his work on Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (DAAT).

The DAAT is one of the main lines of work of this Research Group, directed by Beatriz Martínez, focused on studying the molecular alterations in the development of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic disease caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene.

Specifically, the project presented by Nerea Matamala proposes the development of liver organoids as a model to study liver disease in these patients.

The main objective of the ALTA Award (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Award), funded by the pharmaceutical company Grifols, is to identify and engage early-stage researchers (both physicians and scientists) in their commitment to investigate Alpha Deficiency. -1-Antitrypsin (DAAT). In addition, another objective of the ALTA award is to strengthen the network between scientists and clinicians working in the field of AATD.

Through this award, the realization of innovative ideas and visions in the field of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency is promoted. The prize favors the scientific and financial freedom of the laureates to carry out clinical and scientific research in this disease and, consequently, help shape the future of new therapies.

Recipients of the awards, two each year, are selected by an independent jury consisting of seven leading experts in clinical and academic medicine and one company representative.

Source: http://www.isciii.es/ISCIII/es/contenidos/fd-el-instituto/fd-comunicacion/fd-noticias/20170922_Una_investigadora_ISCIII_premiada_trabajo_Deficit_Alfa_1_Antitripsina_DAAT.shtml