Jessica Castro Gallegos

Jessica Castro Gallegos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Girona, Spain, specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is actively affiliated with the Protein Engineering Research Group, where her work bridges molecular design and cancer therapeutics.

Research Interests: Her primary research focuses on the development and mechanistic study of cytotoxic ribonucleases as antitumor agents. She investigates nuclear-targeted ribonuclease variants, their selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, and their ability to inhibit migration and invasion, particularly in breast cancer and cancer stem cells. Her work also explores metal-based anticancer complexes and the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and drug resistance.

The recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in protein engineering for cancer therapy, with a consistent emphasis on ribonuclease-based drugs, subcellular targeting, and overcoming multidrug resistance. Her work spans biochemistry, molecular oncology, medicinal chemistry, and inorganic drug design.

Scientific Recognition:

• Active researcher with continuous publication in high-impact journals from 2006 to 2024
• ORCID: 0000-0003-4766-2311

Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants are not listed in the provided text, her sustained research output and leadership in publications suggest active mentorship and involvement in funded research projects, likely including national or European grants related to cancer and protein engineering.

Research Environment: She is a core member of the Grup de Recerca en Enginyeria de Proteïnes (Protein Engineering Research Group) at the University of Girona, contributing to a collaborative environment focused on designing and characterizing therapeutic proteins. She also completed a research stay at the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University (UK) in 2016, indicating international collaboration.