Gorka Basañez

Gorka Basañez is a CSIC Staff Scientist at the Biofisika Institute, a joint research center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). He leads research in the Lipid-Protein Interactions in Cellular Processes Laboratory, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, particularly involving mitochondrial membrane proteins and the BCL2 family.

• PhD: University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
• Postdoctoral Training: National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA

Dr. Basañez specializes in biophysical approaches to study membrane protein dynamics, using in vitro reconstituted systems to dissect apoptotic pathways. His research integrates biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to understand how BCL2 family proteins regulate cell death. He applies quantitative techniques to analyze protein-lipid interactions and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, contributing to fundamental knowledge with implications for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

His recent publications span top journals like Cell, PNAS, and PLoS Biology, with a consistent focus on apoptosis mechanisms, BCL2 protein interactions, and membrane dynamics. The work demonstrates a strong trend toward quantitative, reductionist models of cell death, often employing synthetic liposomes and purified proteins to reconstruct key steps of the apoptotic cascade.

Dr. Basañez's research is supported by competitive funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Basque Government, reflecting the national and regional recognition of his scientific contributions.

• Supervised 6 PhD theses
• Regular evaluator for leading scientific journals

His research line is integrated within the broader group led by Dr. Alicia Alonso at the Biofisika Institute, fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary science in membrane biology.