Francisco Miralles Arenas

Dr. Francisco Miralles Arenas is a Reader in Molecular Biology at the Institute of Medical and Biomedical Allied Education, City St George's, University of London. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to molecular biology, particularly in understanding the relationship between actin dynamics and gene expression regulation.

Dr. Miralles obtained his PhD from the University of Barcelona in 1998, where his research focused on molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular protease gene expression during skeletal muscle differentiation. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral training at the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University under an EMBO long-term fellowship, followed by work at the Transcription Laboratory at the London Research Institute (Cancer Research UK) where he was awarded an EU Marie Curie fellowship.

His research focuses on understanding the molecular biology mechanisms that regulate gene expression under normal conditions and how their deregulation may lead to cancer. Dr. Miralles is particularly interested in the MRTF-actin signaling pathway and its role in the development of tumors of fat tissue (chondroid lipomas). His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. His research has evolved from fundamental studies of actin dynamics and transcription regulation to more applied cancer research, with recent emphasis on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and microRNA-21's role in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and therapeutic resistance.

Dr. Miralles has been recognized with prestigious fellowships including:

• EU Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship
• EMBO long term postdoctoral fellowship

As an educator, Dr. Miralles serves as module lead for "Genes and Gene Expression" for year 3 Biomedical Science BSc students and intercalated BSc students. He contributes specialized lectures on gene expression, cell signaling, and cancer to medical, biomedical, pharmacology, and master's students. He supervises undergraduate research projects, Master's students, and has experience supervising PhD students and visiting Erasmus students. Additionally, he serves as Chief examiner for year 1 Biomedical Science students and as the small group teaching coordinator.