Mª Isabel Ben Batalla

Mª Isabel Ben Batalla is a Researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of Physiology and the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). She obtained her doctorate in 2009 with a thesis on the role of the transcription factor Pit-1-POU1F1 in breast cancer, supervised by Dr. Samuel Seoane Ruzo and Dr. Román Pérez Fernández.

Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hematological malignancies and bone-related pathologies. Key areas include the therapeutic targeting of TAM receptors (AXL/MERTK/TYRO3) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma, and bone metastasis. Her work explores drug combinations (e.g., Bemcentinib with cytarabine), immunotherapy modulation, and the role of cytokines/proteins like Protein S and Granzyme B in tumor progression.

Her studies highlight clinical trial advancements (e.g., BGBC003) and biomarker discovery, such as carbonic anhydrase IX for bevacizumab efficacy. She investigates how hormonal factors (e.g., androgens) and maternal immune challenges impact immune function in cancer and early-life infections.

Her research integrates preclinical models, patient-derived samples, and translational approaches to address chemoresistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in hematologic cancers.