Luis B. Tovar y Romo

Intereses de Investigación

Our research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are activated upon brain and spinal cord damage and the processes involved in neuronal recovery after injury. We are especially interested in understanding endogenous processes that promote functional recovery after stroke.

Trayectoria Profesional

Investigador Titular B

Posdoctorados y Estancias

National Institute on Aging / National Institues of Health, Baltimore MD, USA, (2018, 2019)
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, EEUU, (2010-2013)
IBDML - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marsella - Francia, (2008)

Formación Académica

Licenciatura en Investigación Biomédica Básica, Instituto de Fisiología Celular - UNAM, México (1999-2004)

Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas - Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular - UNAM, México (2005-2009)

Premios y Distinciones

Medalla Alfonso Caso, Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México., (2009)
Premio "Dr. Maximiliano Ruiz Castañeda". Academia Nacional de Medicina de México., (2011)
IBRO Return Home Program Award. International Brain Research Organization., (2014)
Estímulo a Investigaciones Médicas - Fundación Miguel Alemán, (2015 y 2019)

Ligas de Interés

#EVClub #EVClubTrailers ISEV
Conversatorio - Comunicación IFC
Frontiers Loop
github TYR Lab
Google Scholar
Infarto cerebral isquémico - Gustavo Cerati - UNAM Global
Licenciatura en Investigación Biomédica Básica
Mechanisms of Neuronal Recovery in the Central Nervous System
PubMed
Semama del Cerebro 2022 - ¿Cómo cambia un infarto las conexiones en el cerebro?
Tour virtual a nuestro laboratorio - Semana del Cerebro 2021

Líneas de Investigación

Axonal regeneration following stroke: In the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, a phase of spontaneous recovery has been described. This is mediated through different mechanisms, one of which could involve processes of axonal regeneration. This process could also be promoted by cellular factors released by astrocytes, for example, those contained in exosomes that have an important neuroprotective effect. We investigate whether the administration of exosomes derived from astrocytes promotes reinnervation and/or axonal regeneration after cerebral ischemia in an experimental model of ischemic cerebral infarction.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating vascular responses after stroke: We study mechanisms governing vascular responses following cerebral ischemia, with particular emphasis on endothelial dynamics during reperfusion. Our work explores how ischemia-induced mechanical, metabolic, and inflammatory cues reshape vascular behavior, influencing perfusion, permeability, and neurovascular coupling. Understanding these processes is essential for elucidating how vascular adaptations support or limit tissue survival and neural repair.

Extracellular vesicle–driven mechanisms promoting axonal regeneration after stroke: Our ongoing research investigates how extracellular vesicles released by brain cells contribute to axonal regeneration following stroke. We focus on EV-mediated intercellular communication among astrocytes, endothelial cells, and neurons, examining how EV cargo, particularly proteins, modulates cytoskeletal dynamics, growth cone behavior, and intrinsic neuronal growth programs. We integrate in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia to define the molecular pathways by which EVs create a permissive microenvironment for axonal remodeling and functional recovery.

Genetic regulation of vascular adaptation to ischemia: Our research addresses the genetic programs that control vascular adaptation to ischemic injury. We investigate how gene expression networks in endothelial and vascular-associated cells are reprogrammed after stroke, driving angiogenesis, vascular stabilization, and functional remodeling. We aim to define genetic determinants that promote adaptive vascular responses and enhance tissue recovery.

Identification of extracellular vesicle biomarkers associated with post-stroke recovery: A central objective of our work is to identify EV-associated biomarkers that reflect endogenous recovery processes after stroke. Using EVs isolated from the plasma of stroke patients, we combine proteomic and molecular profiling with clinical outcome measures to uncover signatures associated with favorable recovery trajectories. This approach seeks to establish EVs as minimally invasive biomarkers that capture dynamic adaptations, with potential applications in prognosis, patient stratification, and therapeutic monitoring.

Identification of extracellular vesicle biomarkers associated with post-stroke recovery: A central objective of our work is to identify EV-associated biomarkers that reflect endogenous recovery processes after stroke. Using EVs isolated from the plasma of stroke patients, we combine proteomic and molecular profiling with clinical outcome measures to uncover signatures associated with favorable recovery trajectories. This approach seeks to establish EVs as minimally invasive biomarkers that capture dynamic adaptations, with potential applications in prognosis, patient stratification, and therapeutic monitoring.

Metabolic and post-translational regulation of recovery after stroke: We examine how recovery from stroke is shaped by the regulation of cellular energy metabolism and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of key signaling proteins. Our studies focus on how metabolic rewiring in astrocytes influences mitochondrial function the during recovery. We seek to understand how energetic and signaling adaptations coordinate cellular resilience and repair.

Proteomic profiling of exosomes derived from brain cells under hypoxia: Extensive data analyses of protein content have been recently conducted in many different populations of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes, formed in late endosomes and released to the extracellular milieu conveying chemical messages to distant targets, have uncovered complex systems of distant cell-to-cell communication. All cell types synthesize and release exosomes upon stress activation, and the characterization of their proteomic content might enable the identification of target signaling that would unveil systemic adaptive responses to stress. Under this premise, we study the protein content of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), astrocytes and neural precursor-derived exosomes following hypoxia.

Regulation of VEGF-mediated responses to cerebral ischemia: A key line of investigation in our laboratory centers on the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling after stroke. We analyze how VEGF-mediated pathways are temporally and spatially controlled to balance angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and tissue integrity. Our work aims to elucidate the mechanisms that fine-tune VEGF responses, identifying conditions under which VEGF signaling supports vascular repair and neuroprotection without exacerbating edema or secondary injury.

Integrantes del Laboratorio

María Cristina Aranda Fraustro

Estudiantes