Dr Elsa Molina

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  Molecular Biology and Genetics (2016) - Federation University, Australia
  • Research project: 'An investigation into the relationships between novel Y chromosome-linked long non-coding RNAs and coronary artery disease' - Charchar Lab, School of Applied & Biomedical Sciences, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, VIC, Australia

• Master's Degree (MSc by Research)
  Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Biology, Physiology and Neurophysiology (2012) - University of Poitiers, France
  • Research project: 'Neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors involved in the pathophysiology of vascular remodelling in giant cell arteritis (Horton's disease)' - In partnership with the research Cochin Institute, Université Paris Descartes, and EA3842 Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Faculté de Médecine, Limoges, France - Publication

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc with Hons)
Biomedical Sciences (2011) - University of Limoges, France
• Research project: 'The role of endonuclease G gene in rat genetic cardiac hypertrophy' - Charchar Lab, School of Applied & Biomedical Sciences, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, VIC, Australia

Certifications

• Certificate of Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S), Work Safe Australia - 2015
• Certificate of Appreciation for Industry Placement Student Supervision, PICSE Program - 2014
• The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Australia PhD Course - 2013

Teaching areas

• Biochemistry
• Human Genomics
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Pathophysiology

Professional associations

• Royal Society of Victoria, Australia
• European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Australia, as PhD Student
• Member of the Australian Atherosclerosis Society (AAS)
• The Heart Foundation, Australia
• The French Researchers in Australia Network (FRAN), The Embassy of France in Australia
• Environment Victoria, Australia

Awards

• One of the fifth winners of the 39th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Atherosclerosis Society Best Abstract Award for Poster Presentation, Melbourne, VIC, Australia (2013)
• EMBL Australia PhD Student Travel Grant Award to attend the 15th International EMBL PhD Symposium, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany (2013)
• Best Student Poster Award, 2nd prize at Federation University Annual Conference, Mount Helen Campus, VIC, Australia (2013)
• Scholarship Award - Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UBPRS) (2012)
• Scholarship Award - Special Overseas Student Scholarship (SOSS) (2012)

Research interests

Elsa's PhD research project was focusing on the identification of Y chromosome-linked long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new class of regulatory RNA molecules, and to elucidate their role which could be the key to understanding the coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence differences between men and women.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The molecular mechanisms that promote CAD in individuals are not well understood. In this context, studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between increased hepatic free fatty acids (FFAs) in atherosclerosis and CAD. Recently, studies have shown that the human Y chromosome is associated with a greater risk of CAD in men. Moreover, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained focused attention as a new class of regulatory RNA molecules involved in cardiovascular function and associated disease however the molecular mechanisms implicated in disease-processes are not well defined. This study aims to rigorously examine the Y chromosome-linked lncRNAs expression in an atherosclerotic context to define specific transcripts that may help to understand the key differences in CAD between both sexes.

Co-supervised projects

• Honours student (1 year) 2015
  Research project: Function and involvement of a Y chromosome-linked long non-coding RNA PRKY in coronary artery disease.

• 3 Bachelor students, FedUni Biomedical Science Research Project 2, (4 months) 2014
  Research project: Y Chromosome-linked expression of long non-coding RNAs involved in insulin-resistant HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells as model system for atherosclerosis.

Publications

1. Molina E, Clarence E. M, Ahmady F, Chew G. S, Charchar F. J. Coronary Artery Disease: Why we should consider the Y Chromosome. Heart, Lung & Circulation. 2016 Jan; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2015.12.100
2. Chew G. S, Molina E, Liu H. H, Muhammad T. S. Differential regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor isoforms in the macrophage J774.2 cell line by cytokines. International Journal of Biomedical Research. 2015 Dec; 6:972-981. doi:10.7439/ijbr.v6i12.2669.
3. Chew G. S, Gawned M, Molina E, Myers, S. A. Quantitative Analysis of Orphan Nuclear Receptors in Insulin-Resistant C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cells. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism. 2015 Nov; 6 (11):1-5. doi:10.4172/2155-6156.1000626.
4. Ly K. H, Régent A, Molina E, Saada S, Sindou P, Le-Jeunne C, Brézin A, Witko-Sarsat V, Labrousse F, Robert P. Y, Bertin P, Bourges J. L, Fauchais A. L, Vidal E, Mouthon L, Jauberteau M. O. Neurotrophins are expressed in giant cell arteritis lesions and may contribute to vascular remodelling. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2014 Nov; 6:487. doi: 10.1186/s13075-014-0487-z.
   
   See abstract & full-text on ResearchGate