Fundación Imdea Alimentación

Six research units cover the lines of work followed by the Institute within the framework of systems biology. These focus on new areas of nutrition, with special emphasis on the relationship between genes and nutrients.

• Unit 1: Nutritional Genomics of Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity

The GENECO Unit: This line of research examines the effect of the diet on the expression of microRNAs important in energetic metabolism, with special interest in those related to cardiovascular disease and obesity. The work performed ranges from basic research to its application in human populations.

• Unit 2: Molecular Oncology and the Nutritional Genomics of Cancer

The OMYGEN Unit: This line examines the metabolic alterations associated with cancer, with special emphasis on the identification of molecular markers that might provide early diagnosis, aid in making clinical prognoses, and help predict the response of patients to treatment. The work, which is interdisciplinary in nature, aims to provide a better understanding of the molecular bases underlying the relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome and cancer, and permit their therapeutic modulation via personalised nutritional strategies.

• Unit 3: The Functional Foods Laboratory

The LABFUN Unit: This line examines the aetiology of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic problems and how they might be prevented and treated via micronutrient therapy. Molecular studies are performed on their mechanisms of action and biological activity in animal models and via clinical trials.This work therefore helps validate functional foods and nutraceuticals with market potential.

• Unit 4: Diseases of Lipid Metabolism and Molecular Nutrition

The DISLIPID Unit: Imbalances in microRNAs can play an important role in the development of cardiometabolic disease. This line of work tries to understand how different microRNAs regulate lipid metabolism in health and disease, and thus develop new dietetic and pharmacological strategies that might modulate their function.

• Unit 5: Production and Development of Food for Health

The PRODESALUD Unit: This line of research is complementary to the four above. Its main aim is to connect with the food industry and establish a bridge between mechanistic, molecular research and the market via the development of foods with specific health uses. Products are developed from the results generated by the Institute?s more basic research lines, or from foods validated using the scientific tools employed by these lines.

• Unit 6: Bioactive Products and Metabolic Syndrome Group.

The BIOPROMET Unit: The aim of this line is to characterize the mechanisms of action of metabolically effective bioactive products with unknown molecular activity; and to identify compounds present in human diets with potential bioactive activity for the prevention and treatment of MS and associated diseases.

The Institute also has three strategic platforms that provide services to its own research units as well as to other research groups and companies, both national and international. This aids in the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge.

• Nutritional Genomics and Food - GENYAL: Nutrigenetic testing in human subjects

The activity of this platform focuses on nutrigenetic studies in human subjects. It has its own ethics committee as well as its own clinical trials, biostatistics and bio-informatics, genomics and training units; these increase its capacity to provide advanced scientific services in the food-health area.

• Cooperative R+D+I Activity Laboratory - LACID: Open to cooperation

This platform provides a framework for cooperation in applied research, technological development and innovation in the field of nutrition, food and health. The Institute and other participating bodies share funding, human resources, spaces and infrastructure in their joint R+D+I ventures.

• Interactive Nutrigenomics Centre - CIN: Dissemination of knowledge

Nutrition, food and health, from the laboratory to society. This multi-themed exhibition aims to provide visitors with the tools provided by research for maintaining health via responsible nutrition. The exhibition uses video, tactile, structural, mechanical, manipulable and scenographic exhibits to transmit its message.