Marc Mejias
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Contact: mmejias@clinic.cat
Academic Role: Postdoctoral Researcher
Biography: Marc Mejias (Barcelona, 1978) earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from the University of Barcelona in 2003 and his Ph.D. degree in Biology from the University of Barcelona in 2010. He was awarded with a Predoctoral Fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science. Furthermore, his doctoral thesis entitled “Role of angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension”, directed by Mercedes Fernandez, received the Excellent Cum Laude qualification and was awarded with the University of Barcelona Extraordinary Doctorate Prize for the academic year 2009/2010. He has also earned the professional Certificate in Training on Experimental Animal Use and Design of Research Projects of the University of Barcelona (2003), the Certificate in Introduction to Flow Cytometry from IDIBAPS (2016), and participates in the oficial IDIBAPS Training Programme for Pre and Postdoctoral Researchers (from 2016). He also participated as a Faculty Member in the Basic School of Hepatology of the European Association for the Study of Liver (Barcelona, October 2018). Marc joined the Mercedes Fernandez Lab in June 2003.
Publications
CPEB4 increases expression of PFKFB3 to induce glycolysis and activate mouse and human hepatic stellate cells, promoting liver fibrosis
Mejias M, Gallego J, Naranjo-Suarez S, Ramirez M, Pell N, Manzano A, Suñer C, Bartrons R, Mendez R, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gastroenterology 2020; S0016-5085(20)30328-0 (doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.03.008).
Crosstalk between angiogenesis and fibrogenesis in liver disease
Mejias M, Balvey A, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Current Tissue Microenvironment Reports 2020; doi:10.1007/s43152-020-00013-w; Springer Nature.
Invited Review
CPEB4-driven PFKFB3-mediated metabolic reprogramming is essential for hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis: A novel druggable target
Mejias M, Gallego J, Naranjo-Suarez S, Ramirez M, Pell N, Manzano A, Bartrons R, Mendez R, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2019; 70 (Suppl):1444A
This abstract has been selected as a Presidential Poster of Distinction by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD). Posters of Distinction are classified as being in the top 10% of all accepted poster abstracts and receive special recognition in the Poster Hall. It has been presented in the Basic Fibrosis Research and Stellate Cell Biology Session, at The Liver Meeting 2019 (Boston, Massachusetts).
This abstract has also been selected by the AASLD Liver Fibrosis Special Interest Group to be presented as an oral communication at the TechBar of the Liver Meeting 2019.
Pericytes in the gut
Ramirez M, Pell N, Mejias M, Fernandez M
Co-first authors: Marta Ramirez and Nuria Pell
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2019; 1122:73-100, “Pericyte Biology in Different Organs”, Ed. A. Birbrair. Springer Nature, Switzerland AG
Invited Review
Therapeutic siRNA targeting endothelial KDR decreases portosystemic collateralization in portal hypertension
Gallego J, Garcia-Pras E, Mejias M, Pell N, Schaeper U, Fernandez M
Co-first authors: Javier Gallego and Ester Garcia-Pras
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Scientific Reports 2017; 7:14791-14806 PubMed Springer Nature SharedIt
Gene therapy with endothelial-specific liposomal short interfering siRNA targeting kinase insert domain receptor inhibits portosystemic collateralization in portal hypertension
Gallego J, Garcia-Pras E, Mejias M, Pell N, Schaeper U, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2017; 66:141A
This abstract has been presented in Parallel Session at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) (Washington DC, 2017). The speaker and coauthor, Nuria Pell, has been awarded with the 2017 Basic Science Young Investigator Travel Award from AASLD, which recognizes outstanding young basic science researchers working on liver disease.
Role and therapeutic potential of vascular stem/progenitor cells in pathological neovascularisation during chronic portal hypertension
Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Coch L, Mejias M, Fernandez-Miranda G, Pardal R, Bosch J, Mendez R, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gut 2017; 66:1306-1320 PubMed
Sequential functions of CPEB1 and CPEB4 regulate pathologic expression of VEGF and angiogenesis in chronic liver disease
Calderone V, Gallego J, Fernandez-Miranda G, Garcia-Pras E, Maillo C, Berzigotti A, Mejias M, Bava FA, Angulo-Urarte A, Graupera M, Navarro P, Bosch J, Fernandez M, Mendez R
Co-first authors: Vittorio Calderone and Javier Gallego
Co-corresponding authors: Raul Mendez and Mercedes Fernandez
Gastroenterology 2016;150:982-997 PubMed
Pathogenesis of portal hypertension: Extrahepatic mechanisms
Fernandez M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Pell N, Ramirez M, Naranjo-Suarez S, Barrachina-Catala A
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Current Hepatology Reports 2016;15:199-207
Invited Review
Antiangiogenic and antifibrogenic activity of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in bile duct-ligated portal hypertensive rats
Mejias M, Coch L, Berzigotti A, Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gut 2015; 64:657-666 PubMed
Editorial devoted to this article: Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Rombouts K. Boosting pigment epithelial-derived factor: a promising approach for the treatment of early portal hypertension. Gut (2015) 64:523-524 Editorial
Disruption of negative feedback loop between vasohibin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor decreases portal pressure, angiogenesis, and fibrosis in cirrhotic rats
Coch L, Mejias M, Berzigotti A, Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Bosch J, Mendez R, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2014; 60:633-647 PubMed
Editorial devoted to this article: Chatterjee S. Reversal of vasohibin-driven negative feedback loop of vascular endothelial growth factor/angiogenesis axis promises a novel antifibrotic therapeutic strategy for liver diseases. Hepatology (2014) 60:458-460 Editorial
Hepatology Highlights devoted to this article: Dufour JF. After vasopressin comes vasohibin. Hepatology (2014) 60:447 Highlights
Effects of the combined administration of propranolol plus sorafenib on portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats
D’Amico M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Abraldes JG, Garcia-Pagan JC, Fernandez M, Bosch J
American Journal of Physiology 2012;302:G1191-G1198 PubMed
Relevance of the mTOR signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of splenomegaly in rats with chronic portal hypertension
Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Mendez R, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2011; 52:529-539 PubMed
Effects of the combined administration of sorafenib plus propranolol on portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats
D’Amico M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Abraldes J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Fernandez M, Bosch J
Journal of Hepatology 2010; 52:S203
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Vienna, Austria, 2010)
Beneficial effects of sorafenib on splanchnic, intrahepatic, and portocollateral circulations in portal hypertensive and cirrhotic rats
Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Tiani C, Miquel R, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2009;49:1245-1256 PubMed
Editorial devoted to this article: Shah VH, Bruix J. Antiangiogenic therapy: not just for cancer anymore? Hepatology (2009) 49:1066-1068 Editorial
Apelin signaling modulates splanchnic angiogenesis and portosystemic collateral vessel formation in rats with portal hypertension
Tiani C, Garcia-Pras E, Mejias M, de Gottardi A, Berzigotti A, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2009; 50:296-305 PubMed
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and BMP signalling are significantly increased in experimental models of cirrhosis and portal hypertension
De Gottardi A, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Rodriguez-Vilarrupla A, Garcia-Pagan JC, Fernandez M, Bosch J
Journal of Hepatology 2009; 50:S17
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 2009)
The somatostatin analogue octreotide inhibits angiogenesis in the earliest, but not in advanced, stages of portal hypertension in rats
Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Tiani C, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2008;12: 1690-1699 PubMed
Role of angiogenesis in portal hypertension
Fernandez M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
In: Liver Cirrhosis: From Pathophysiology to Disease Management 2008; Edited by: Bosch J, Burroughs AK, Lammert F, Sauerbruch T, Lebrec D. Springuer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Volume 162, pages 112-129
Invited Review
Down-regulation of genes related to the adrenergic system may contribute to splanchnic vasodilation in rat portal hypertension
Coll M, Genesca J, Raurell I, Rodriguez-Vilarrupla A, Mejias M, Otero T, Oria M, Esteban R, Guardia J, Bosch J, Martell M.
Journal of Hepatology 2008; 49:43-51
Reversal of portal hypertension and hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation by combined vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor blockade in rats
Fernandez M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Mendez R, Garcia-Pagan JC, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2007;46:1208-1217 PubMed
This paper received the Award to the Best Publication in Hepatology Research (Year 2007), from the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver
NAD(P)H oxidase modulates angiogenesis and the development of portosystemic collaterals and splanchnic hyperaemia in portal hypertensive rats
Angermayr B, Fernandez M, Mejias M, Gracia-Sancho J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gut 2007;56:560-564 PubMed
The somatostatin analogue octreotide inhibits angiogenesis and VEGF expression in early, but not late, stages of portal hypertension in rats. Role of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 downregulation during the evolution of the portal hypertensive syndrome
Mejias M, Garcia-Pras E, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2007; 46:607A
This abstract has been presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (Boston, MA, US, 2007)
Heme oxygenase attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, and increases VEGF expression in portal hypertensive rats
Angermayr B, Mejias M, Gracia-Sancho J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2006; 44:1033-1039 PubMed
NAD(P)H oxidase modulates angiogenesis and the development of portosystemic collaterals and splanchnic hyperemia in portal hypertensive rats
Angermayr B, Fernandez M, Mejias M, Gracia-Sancho J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2006; 44:358A
This abstract has been presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (Boston, MA, US, 2006)
Inhibition of VEGF receptor-2 decreases the development of hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation and portal-systemic collateral vessels in portal hypertensive rats
Fernandez M, Mejias M, Angermayr B, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2005; 43:98-103 PubMed
Editorial devoted to this article: Moreau R. “VEGF-induced angiogenesis drives collateral circulation in portal hypertension”. J Hepatol 2005;43:6-8 Editorial
Oxidative stress contributes to the hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertensive rats
Angermayr B, Mejias M, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2005; 42:63
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Paris, France, 2005)
Contribution of heme oxygenase to the splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertensive rats: Interaction with nitric oxide synthase
Angermayr B, Fernandez M, Mejias M, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2004; 40:484A
This abstract has been presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (Boston, MA, US, 2004)
Inhibition of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) signaling prevents portal-systemic collateral (PSC) vessel formation in rats with portal hypertension
Fernandez M, Mejias M, Angermayr B, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2004; 40:4
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Berlin, Germany, 2004)
Heme oxygenase protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and inflammatory angiogenesis in portal hypertension
Angermayr B, Fernandez M, Mejias M, March S, Gracia-Sancho J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2004; 40:480A
This abstract has been presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (Boston, MA, US, 2004)