Research topics

Dr. Torres has an extended experience in the study of the molecular basis that modulates the prion pathology and prion transmission using transgenic mice models. In the recent past, the team led by Dr. Torres has developed and validated a collection of transgenic mice expressing PrPC from different species (bovine, porcine, ovine and human). Particularly, transgenic mice harbouring human PrPC with different polymorphisms at position 129 (M129HuPrP-tg340 and V129HuPrP-tg340) are being very useful to study the zoonotic potential of animals prions from the different livestock species. Currently, the general scientific objective of his group is to advance in the knowledge of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) and the agent causing these diseases. Three main lines of work can be highlighted: i) development of bioassay of high sensitivity for prion detection and diagnosis; ii) study of the elements involved in prion replication and pathogenesis and iii) study of prion strains circulating in different species and their transmission ability to humans.