Gerardo Enrique Abarca Ríos
- Post by: fantom
- 20 May 2025
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Introduction
I’m a pharmacist from Costa Rica with a genuine passion for research, especially in the field of translational science. Throughout my academic journey, I built a strong foundation in human pathophysiology, pharmacology, chemistry, and drug development, and gained hands-on experience using animal models to explore novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases. I also developed proficiency in a wide range of molecular biology techniques applied across diverse research topics. These formative experiences shaped my scientific perspective and deepened my commitment to research that can make a tangible difference in clinical practice.
Fueled by this motivation, I decided to pursue a PhD in Oncology and Hematology at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, as part of the MSCA FANTOM Doctoral Network. I carry out my research in Šárka Pospíšilová’s group at the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC).
My project focuses on uncovering and validating non-mutational mechanisms of resistance to ALK inhibitors in ALK-positive ALCL. While targeted therapies like ALK inhibitors have significantly improved patient outcomes, treatment resistance remains a major obstacle to long-term success.
Building on findings from whole-genome CRISPRa screens, I’ve selected key candidate genes for further validation by a multi-faceted approach: single-gene CRISPRa, rescue knock-out experiments, resistant cell lines and patient-derived xenograft transcriptional profiling, and analysis of publicly available ALCL transcriptomic datasets as well as patient sample expression profiles. To ensure translational impact, I test combinatorial therapeutic strategies targeting these bypass mechanisms of resistance both in vitro and in vivo, to identify novel treatment protocols and new targets for drug development.
One of the most important elements of my research is close interaction with the Suzanne Turner Lab at the University of Cambridge, providing access to state-of-the-art preclinical models and significant clinical insight into ALCL biology. This partnership tremendously increases the translational nature of my research and contributes to larger efforts in progressing toward improved patient outcomes for resistant lymphoma within our network.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy swimming, staying active through sports, and traveling whenever I can. As a Costa Rican, I’m still adjusting to the Czech winters, but the opportunity to live and work in a new country has been incredibly rewarding, both in my personal and professional life.
