Our group has made key contributions to the understanding of chronic liver disease. Selected projects (as corresponding author):
Impact factors: Gastroenterology 20.877; Journal of Hepatology 20.582; Nature Cell Biology 20.042; Gut 19.819; Hepatology 14.679
Link to additional publications
Identification of dynamic RNA-binding proteins uncovers a Cpeb4-controlled regulatory cascade during pathological cell growth of cardiomyocytes
Riechert E, Kmietczyk V, Stein F, Schwarzl T, Sekaran T, Jürgensen L, Kamuf-Schenk V, Varma E, Hofmann C, Rettel M, Doroudgar S, Gür K, Ölschläger J, Kühl F, Martin J, Ramirez-Pedraza M, Fernandez M, Mendez R, Katus HA, Hentze MW, Völkers M.
Cell Reports 2021 (in press)
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; 159: 273-288.
This paper has been highlighted in the Covering the Cover section of Gastroenterology: CPEB4-induced expression of PFKFB3 promotes liver fibrosis. Gastroenterology 2020; 159: 5.
Crosstalk between angiogenesis and fibrogenesis in liver disease
Mejias M, Balvey A, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Current Tissue Microenvironment Reports 2020; 1: 121-129; Springer Nature.
Recent advances in practical methods for liver cell biology: A short overview
Torres S, Abdullah Z, Brol MJ, Hellerbrand C, Fernandez M, Fiorotto R, Klein S, Königshofer P, Liedtke C, Lotersztajn S, Nevzorova YA, Schierwagen R, Reiberger T, Uschner FE, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R, Trebicka J
International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020; 21(6), 2027; doi:10.3390/ijms21062027
Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics (ISSN 1422-0067)
Crucial role of beta-arrestin-2 in linking fibrogenesis and cancer
Schierwagen R, Dietrich P, Heinzen J, Klen S, Uschner F, Ortiz C, Tyc O, Torres S, Rathmann S, Premont R, Poisson J, Rautou PE, Kristiansen G, Gracia J, Poglitsch M, Ludwig-Portugall I, Walther T, Abdullah Z, Lefkowitz R, Fernandez M, Moreau R, Hellerbrand C, Rombouts K, Kastenmüller W, Diehl AM, Trebicka J.
Journal of Hepatology 2020; 73, S58-S98
Interplay between macrophages and angiogenesis: A double-edged sword in liver disease
Ramirez-Pedraza M, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Frontiers in Immunology 2019; 10:2882 (doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.02882)
Section Molecular Innate Immunity. Editor Ralf Weiskirchen. Open Access Article
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.
Pathological angiogenesis: The new culprit behind chronic liver disease
Ramirez M, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
OBM Hepatology and Gastroenterology 2019; 3:15 (doi:10.21926/obm.hg.1903030), Special Issue: “Exploring Novel Treatment Options for Liver Fibrosis: Can Anti-Angiogenics Succeed?”. Ed. M. Bartneck. Lidsen Publishing, Ohio, USA. Link
Invited Review
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
Role of ductular reaction on the hepatic microenvironment in chronic liver disease
Mons SA, Aguilar-Bravo B, Coll M, Garcia-Pras E, Gallego J, Pose E, Blava D, Graupera I, Vallverdu J, Rubio-Tomas T, Lozano JJ, Caballeria J, Fernandez M, Gines P, Sancho-Bru P
Journal of Hepatology 2019 70:E26.
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Vienna, Austria, 2019)
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neovascularization in portal hypertension and cirrhosis
Garcia-Pras E
Thesis Director: Mercedes Fernandez
Doctoral Thesis – University of Barcelona 2018
Regulatory mechanisms of VEGF-dependent angiogenesis in portal hypertension and cirrhosis
Gallego J
Thesis Director: Mercedes Fernandez
Doctoral Thesis – University of Barcelona 2018
Placental growth factor: New treatment target bringing hope in hepatopulmonary syndrome
Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2018; 68:404-407
Invited Editorial
Protective role of VEGF-A165b in liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension
Schierwagen R, Lehmann J, Ruiner C, Pohlmann A, Jansen F, Klein S, Uschner F, Magdaleno F, Fernandez M, Berres M, Rautou P, Trebicka T
Z Gastroenterol 2018; 56:E2-E89 (DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1612662)
Ductular reaction cells promote angiogenesis via SLIT2/ROBO1 pathway in chronic liver disease
Coll M, Garcia-Pras E, Aguilar-Bravo B, Gallego J, Blaya D, Vallverdu J, Perea L, Graupera I, Pose E, Lozano J, Bataller R, Gines P, Geng JG, Fernandez M, Sancho-Bru P
Journal of Hepatology 2018; 68: S92
This abstract has been presented as Oral Communication at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Paris, France, 2018).
Maillo C, Martin J, Sebastian D, Hernandez-Alvarez M, Garcia-Rocha M, Reina O, Zorzano A, Fernandez M, Mendez R
Co-corresponding authors: Raul Mendez and Mercedes Fernandez
Nature Cell Biology 2017; 19:94-105
Comment on this paper: Moore PC & Oakes SA. CPEB4 links the clock and the UPR to protect the liver. Nature Cell Biology (2017);19:79-81. Comment
This paper received the Award to the Best Scientific Publication (Year 2018) from the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC)
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
Gastroesophageal varices
Fernandez M, Abraldes JG
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
In: Liver Pathophysiology: Therapies & Antioxidants 2017; Ed. Muriel P, Academic Press, Elsevier (ISBN: 978-0-12-804274-8)
Invited Review
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
Molecular pathophysiology of portal hypertension
Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 2015; 61:1406-1415 PubMed
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
Unveiling a new mechanism of regulation of angiogenesis in portal hypertension through translational control by the CPEB family of proteins
Gallego J, Calderone V, Garcia-Pras E, Bosch J, Mendez R, Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2012; 56:S53
This abstract has been presented at the International Liver Congress of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (Barcelona, Spain, 2012)
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 2010; 52:529-539 PubMed
Hepatic endothelial dysfunction and abnormal angiogenesis: New targets in the treatment of portal hypertension
Bosch J, Abraldes JG, Fernandez M, Garcia-Pagan JC
Journal of Hepatology 2010; 53:558-567 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
Angiogenesis in liver disease
Fernandez M, Semela D, Bruix J, Colle I, Pinzani M, Bosch J
Journal of Hepatology 2009; 50:604-620 PubMed
As of September 2018, this “Highly Cited Paper” received enough citations (315) to place it in the top 1% of its academic field based on a highly cited threshold for the field and publications year. Data from Essential Science Indicators.
Impacto de los inhibidores de la angiogénesis en el tratamiento de la hipertensión portal
Fernandez M
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gastroenterología y Hepatología Continuada 2009;8:312-317
Invited Review
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
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
Carbon monoxide and the heme oxygenase system in cirrhosis
Lambrecht RW, Fernandez M, Shan Y, Bonkovsky HL
In: Ascites and Renal Dysfunction in Liver Disease. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment 2005. Edited by: Gines P, Arroyo V, Rodes J, Schrier RW. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford, United Kingdom. Pg. 125-136
Invited Review
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)
Anti-VEGF receptor-2 monoclonal antibody prevents portal-systemic collateral vessel formation in portal hypertensive mice
Fernandez M, Vizzutti F, Garcia-Pagan JC, Rodes J, Bosch J
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Gastroenterology 2004; 126:886-894 PubMed
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)
Vascular endothelial growth factor increases heme oxygenase-1 expression in the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane
Fernandez M, Bonkovsky HL
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
British Journal of Pharmacology 2003; 139:634-640 PubMed
Increased heme oxygenase activity in splanchnic organs from portal hypertensive rats: Role in modulating mesenteric vascular reactivity
Fernandez M, Lambrecht RW, Bonkovsky HL
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Journal of Hepatology 2001; 34:812-817 PubMed
Editorial devoted to this article: Moreau R. Heme oxygenase: protective enzyme or portal hypertensive molecule?. Journal of Hepatology (2001) 34:936-939 Editorial
Role of increased heme oxygenase activity on splanchnic vascular hyporeactivity in portal hypertensive rat
Fernandez M, Lambrecht RW, Bonkovsky HL
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
FASEB Journal 2000; 14:A1390
This abstract has been presented at the Meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASBMS/ ASPET) (Boston, MA, US, 2000)
Increased heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in liver cells and splanchnic organs from portal hypertensive rats
Fernandez M, Bonkovsky HL
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 1999; 29:1672-1679 PubMed
Induction of heme oxygenase (HO) in hepatocytes splanchnic organs in portal hypertensive rats: Expression of constitutive HO in hepatic stellate cells
Fernandez M, Bonkovsky HL
Corresponding author: Mercedes Fernandez
Hepatology 1998; 28:509A
This abstract has been presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) (Chicago, Illinois, US, 1998)