The group’s research is focused on identifying changes that occur in hypertension (HT) and heart failure (HF) at the level of molecular mechanisms related to adrenergic regulation (through alpha1 or beta receptors) of the heart and blood vessels, and their interaction with the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. With this focus, we also analyze the role of neurotrophin-3, a regulator of neuronal growth during embryonic development, in the adult cardiovascular system. All of this aims to find new pharmacological targets to normalize altered cardiovascular function through their regulation. Knowledge of new targets will also enable testing of active molecules on them as potential therapeutic tools.

Within a translational research framework, we develop the following lines:

• Characterization of pathways mediated by alpha1 and beta adrenoceptors as potential pharmacological targets in HT and HF.
• Gene and protein expression of neurotrophin-3 and its receptor TrkC in HT and HF. Characterization of the neurotrophin-3 pathway as a new pharmacological target in animal models of HT and HF.
• Characterization of the NO pathway and the role of constitutive NO synthases as potential pharmacological targets in human HT and HF.
• Relationship between the NO pathway and adrenergic transduction pathways or those mediated by the TrkC receptor.
• Characterization of the angiogenic process in human/murine vessels and its regulation through adrenoceptors, NT-3, and NO.
• Consequences of hypoxia/ischemia on these pathways.
• Identification of changes observed in animal models and in hypertensive patients, those with heart failure, and patients undergoing heart transplantation.
• Identification of human biomarkers in these cardiovascular pathologies.
• Search for active molecules targeting dopaminergic receptors (anti-Parkinsonian, antipsychotic), adrenergic receptors (antihypertensive, heart failure treatment), and NT-3 receptors (TrkC).

To carry out these lines of research, collaborations have been established and consolidated through national and international projects with research groups integrated into private companies or the CSIC, and with clinical groups from Hospital La Fe, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, and Hospital de La Ribera-Alzira.