Luis Angel Trujillo Villarreal

Neuroscientist | Postdoctoral Researcher in Neurocardiac Modeling

Monterrey, MX.

About

Highly accomplished Neuroscientist with 9 years of experience, holding a Master's and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, with a specialized focus on Neuroscience. Expertise spans investigating pathological behavior through murine models, examining prenatal factors in developmental and psychiatric disorders, and currently developing a neuro-cardiac model to explore chronic stress in obesity research. Proficient in advanced techniques including in vivo MRI, behavioral assessments, histology, and molecular biology, committed to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of molecular mechanisms and behavioral science.

Work

Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

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Summary

Currently developing a neuro-cardiac model to investigate the effects of chronic stress within the context of obesity research.

Highlights

Developed and implemented a novel neuro-cardiac model to study the physiological impacts of chronic stress on metabolic health, advancing obesity research methodologies.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate neuroscience and cardiology research into comprehensive obesity interventions.

Applied advanced analytical techniques to explore the complex interplay between neurological and cardiovascular systems in stress-induced obesity.

Contributed to cutting-edge research at a leading institute, enhancing understanding of metabolic disorders and their neurological underpinnings.

Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience

Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico

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Summary

Conducted advanced research on prenatal stress and its impact on developmental disorders using murine models.

Highlights

Designed and executed complex experiments utilizing murine models to investigate the neurobiology of behavior and the origins of pathological conditions.

Performed comprehensive in vivo MRI, behavioral tests, and biochemical analyses, generating critical data on neurological phenomena and developmental vulnerabilities.

Standardized and optimized methodologies for behavioral assessments, MRI imaging, ELISA, and protein quantification, enhancing research consistency and data reliability.

Published significant findings in leading peer-reviewed journals (e.g., eNeuro, Neuroscience, Neural Regeneration Research) and presented research at international conferences, contributing to the scientific community.

Supervised and mentored undergraduate and graduate students in their thesis projects, fostering the next generation of neuroscience researchers.

Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

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Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

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Summary

Delivered comprehensive instruction in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to medical students, enhancing foundational scientific understanding.

Highlights

Developed and implemented engaging lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and robust assessment tools for core medical curricula.

Taught complex biochemical and molecular concepts to medical students, achieving high student comprehension and engagement.

Created and administered rigorous examinations to accurately evaluate student understanding and mastery of course material.

Contributed to the academic development of future medical professionals through effective pedagogical strategies and curriculum design.

Volunteer

Organizer, Brain Week

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Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences (CIDICS)

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Organized and facilitated 'Brain Week' events to promote neuroscience education and public engagement.

Highlights

Coordinated educational activities and public outreach initiatives during 'Brain Week' at CIDICS, successfully engaging the community in neuroscience.

Collaborated with faculty and students to deliver impactful science communication events, increasing public awareness of brain science.

Education

Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
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Ph.D. in Sciences Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering

Courses

Thesis: "Study of the Transgenerational Inheritance of Brain Structure and Function Implicated in Anxiety- and Depression-like Behavior"

Advisor: Dr. C. Alberto Camacho Morales

Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
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M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering

Courses

Thesis: "Effect of Fetal Programming with Caloric Diet on Brain and Synaptic Structure and Depression-like Behavior in Rats"

Advisor: Dr. C. Alberto Camacho Morales

Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
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Bachelor's Degree Clinical Chemistry Grade: Satisfactory Performance

Courses

General Exam for Graduate Exit in Clinical Chemistry

Awards

National Researcher System – Level C

National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), México

Recognized for significant contributions to scientific research at a national level.

Postdoctoral Fellowship

DGAPA, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Awarded a competitive postdoctoral fellowship to support advanced research activities.

Distinguished Student – Doctorate in Science

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México

Recognized as a distinguished student for exceptional academic performance during doctoral studies.

Magna Cum Laude Distinction – Doctorate in Science

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México

Received Magna Cum Laude distinction for outstanding achievement in doctoral research and academic rigor.

Honorable Mention – Bachelor's in Clinical Biochemistry

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México

Awarded an honorable mention for academic excellence in Bachelor's degree studies in Clinical Biochemistry.

Publications

Paternal prenatal and lactation exposure to a high-calorie diet shapes transgenerational brain macro- and microstructure defects, impacting anxiety-like behavior in male offspring rats.

eNeuro

Investigated the transgenerational effects of paternal diet on offspring brain structure and anxiety-like behavior.

Prenatal cafeteria diet primes anxiety-like behavior associated with defects in volume and diffusion in the fimbria-fornix of mice offspring.

Neuroscience

Explored the impact of prenatal cafeteria diet on anxiety-like behavior and fimbria-fornix defects in mice.

Prenatal programming of motivated behaviors: Can innate immunity prime behavior?

Neural Regeneration Research

Examined the role of innate immunity in prenatal programming of motivated behaviors.

Transgenerational susceptibility to food addiction-like behavior in rats associates with a decrease of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in plasma.

Neurochemical Research

Identified a link between transgenerational food addiction-like behavior and reduced IL-10 levels in rats.

MCP-1 signaling disrupts social behavior by modulating brain volumetric changes and microglia morphology.

Molecular Neurobiology

Demonstrated how MCP-1 signaling affects social behavior through brain volume and microglia morphology.

Fornix volumetric increase and microglia morphology contribute to spatial and recognition-like memory decline in aging male mice.

NeuroImage

Investigated the role of fornix volume and microglia in memory decline in aging male mice.

Maternal cafeteria diet exposure primes depression-like behavior in the offspring, evoking lower brain volume related to changes in synaptic terminals and gliosis.

Translational Psychiatry

Showcased the impact of maternal cafeteria diet on offspring depression-like behavior and associated brain volume changes.

Potential role of primed microglia during obesity on the mesocorticolimbic circuit in autism spectrum disorder.

Journal of Neurochemistry

Explored the potential role of microglia in obesity's impact on the mesocorticolimbic circuit in autism spectrum disorder.

Trastornos fisiológicos que generan obesidad.

MGS Ediciones, S. A. de C. V.

Authored a book chapter on physiological disorders leading to obesity in 'Obesidad' (1st ed., pp. 73-97).

Languages

Spanish

English

Skills

Neuroimaging

MRI, Acquisition Sequences, Rodent Models, Image Standardization, In Vivo MRI.

Brain Structural Analysis

Deformation-Based Morphometry, Rodent Models, Neuroanatomy, Brain Volumetric Analysis.

Pharmacology

Drug Administration, Animal Handling, Substance Abuse Models.

Laboratory Techniques

Spectrophotometry, Molecular Biology, Histology, ELISA, Protein Quantification, Biochemical Analyses.

Animal Surgery

Experimental Surgery, Rodent Models.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Testing, Rodent Models, Anxiety Models, Depression Models, Cognitive Assessment, Social Behavior.

Vivarium Management

Animal Colony Management, Rodent Breeding, Animal Welfare.

Programming & Data Analysis

Bash, R, Statistical Analysis, Data Interpretation.

Neuroscience Research

Murine Models, Prenatal Factors, Developmental Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders, Neurobiology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Mechanisms.

Neurocardiac Modeling

Chronic Stress Research, Obesity Research, Cardiovascular Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Research.

Academic Instruction

Mentorship, Teaching, Curriculum Development, Lecturing, Assessment Design, Student Supervision.

Scientific Communication

Peer-Reviewed Publications, Conference Presentations, Thesis Writing, Public Engagement.

Projects

Undergraduate Thesis Supervision: 'Trastorno por Uso de Sustancias inducido por estrés prenatal en un modelo de autoadministración de morfina en ratas Wistar'

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Summary

Supervised an undergraduate thesis investigating substance use disorder induced by prenatal stress in Wistar rats within a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology program.

PhD Thesis Mentorship: 'Conducta agresiva en el trastorno por uso de metanfetamina y su relación con cambios en los circuitos neurales de la agresión en ratas Wistar hembra y macho.'

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Summary

Mentored a PhD student on a thesis investigating aggressive behavior in methamphetamine use disorder and neural circuit changes in Wistar rats for a PhD in Biomedical Science.

Master's Thesis Mentorship: 'Patología estructural cerebelar y su relación con la afectación cognitiva en un modelo de autoadministración de morfina en ratas Wistar macho.'

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Summary

Mentored a Master's student on a thesis exploring cerebellar structural pathology and cognitive impairment in a rat model of morphine self-administration for a Master's Degree in Neurobiology.