Víctor García Tagua

Víctor García Tagua serves as Assistant Professor at the University of La Laguna within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine, Public Health, Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Parasitology. He teaches in Pharmacy and Nutrition degree programs while conducting research through the ITB Institute and EpiGeM Epidemiology research group.

Education:

• Bachelor of Biology (2000-2005), University of Seville
• PhD in Molecular Genetics (2012), University of Seville (Thesis: "Genomic approach to light-regulated transcription in Phycomyces blakesleeanus")

His research spans molecular genetics, microbiology, and clinical epidemiology with current focus on Klotho protein's role in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Early work examined light-regulated transcription in fungi and vesicle trafficking in Aspergillus, followed by bacterial signal transduction in Pseudomonas. Since 2018, he investigates Klotho-FGF23 pathways in vascular calcification, diabetic complications, and renal-cardiovascular axis. His approach integrates molecular biology with clinical epidemiology, recently developing camelid-derived antibodies and repurposing pentoxifylline for kidney disease.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a clear trajectory from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications. Key themes include Klotho epigenetics in vascular disease (47% of articles), microbial systems biology (20%), and therapeutic repurposing (13%). The work demonstrates strong translational focus with 73% involving human clinical samples or patient data, emphasizing biomarker validation and therapeutic interventions.

Research Leadership:

• Principal Investigator: Agustín de Betancourt technology transfer project (2020-2022) on mini-antibody production in Canarian camels
• Member: EpiGeM Clinical, Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology research group
• Member: GEO-GLOBAL Environmental Geochemistry and Global Change group

He actively participates in scientific dissemination through Pint of Science, Desgranando Ciencia, MacaroNight, and Science Week events, bridging academic research with public understanding of science.