Díaz Espinoza Rodrigo

Email: 
rodrigo.diaz.e@usach.cl

Abstract: Our research is devoted to study the biochemical and biophysical properties of aggregated proteins and peptides and to explore their implications on biology and chemistry. During the last years, we have focused on developing diverse synthetic aggregated peptides that form supra-molecular assemblies called amyloids. In the amyloid state, these peptides can exhibit catalytic properties and hence they behave like enzymes.  Our main current interests are:

  • Develop catalytic amyloids that can have applications in biotechnology as novel bio-nanomaterials
  • Study the emerging catalytic activities of pathological amyloids such as those involved in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson´s disease, etc.) 
  • Explore the implications of amyloids in Astrobiology, including their potential role in chemical evolution during prebiotic stages
  • Study the folding and misfolding of proteins

 

Línea(s) de investigación: 
Bioquímica Evolutiva y Bionanotecnología
Jerarquía: 
Asociado
Grados académicos /educación: 
Ph.D. en Biofísica Molecular, Universidad de Texas, USA (2011)
Ingeniero en Biotecnología Molecular, Universidad de Chile (2006)
Licenciado en Ingeniería en Biotecnología Molecular, Universidad de Chile (2004)