Jordi Duran Castells

Jordi Duran Castells is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Ramon Llull University, and an Associate Researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). He leads the BrainMet – Brain Metabolism Lab, focusing on the role of brain metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Lafora disease and other glycogen storage disorders. His interdisciplinary work bridges bioengineering, neuroscience, and nanomedicine to develop innovative therapies.

• Licenciado en Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona (1999)
• Licenciado en Bioquímica, Universitat de Barcelona (2002)
• Doctor en Biomedicina, IRB Barcelona (2007)

His research centers on the pathological accumulation of glycogen in the brain, especially in astrocytes, and its contribution to neurodegeneration. He investigates the non-canonical roles of glycogen metabolism and aims to uncover therapeutic strategies for rare neurological conditions. A major focus is on developing nanoparticle-based delivery systems to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver mRNA or gene therapies for diseases like Lafora and ALS.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in translational neuroscience, combining molecular metabolism with nanomedicine. His work spans from fundamental biochemistry (e.g., glycogenin function) to clinical applications (e.g., therapeutic windows in Lafora disease). The integration of animal models, cellular studies, and therapeutic design underscores a holistic approach to tackling rare neurodegenerative disorders.

• Best Student Poster Award (awarded to student Núria Moral)
• Project grants from AGAUR and Fundación Ramón Areces
• Advisory roles at Chelsea’s Hope, Fundació La Marató de TV3, and FECAMM

Jordi Duran actively mentors students and leads a dynamic research group. He has secured significant funding for projects like nGSD-TAG and NanoLaf, aimed at developing non-invasive nanoparticle therapies. He frequently engages in public outreach, policy discussions (e.g., at the Parliament of Catalonia), and media interviews to advocate for rare disease research.

His lab, BrainMet – Brain Metabolism Lab, operates at the intersection of academia and translational innovation, collaborating with institutions like IRB Barcelona and Hacettepe University. The team is dedicated to advancing both scientific understanding and therapeutic solutions for devastating neurological conditions.