About

I am a Wellcome Early Career Fellow at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh. Originally from Costa Rica and now working at the Scottish Capital.

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My research is at the intersection of computational & systems biology, with proteomics and immunology. It leverages cutting edge ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry based proteomics, combined with computational and systems approaches to characterise neutrophils in health and chronic inflammation.

 

Neutrophils are vital innate immune cells that form part of our first line of defence against infection. They are extremely important in pathogen clearance and this dysfunctions are linked to a myriad of diseases.​Neutrophils are among the most transcriptionally quiescent cell types, hence sequencing is not a good tool to analyse their phenotypes and functional capacities. Here is where proteomics provides an important layer of new biological information for this vital innate cells.

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The other main focus of my work is on developing and maintaining a data sharing platform for the proteomics characterisation of the immune system. This platform is called the Immunological Proteome Resource (ImmPRes), and it integrates and openly shares mass spectrometry proteomics data with the wider research community. it is available at immpres.co.uk 

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Besides a scientist, I am also a cyclist and an amateur runner. I am a fan of ultra endurance riding (200km+) specially if its going through some scenic routes, of which there are plenty in Scotland.

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My current favourite endurance ride is the Deeside loop, a hilly ride taking you through some of the best roads in Angus, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire. 

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@ajbrenes.com on Bluesky if you fancy a cycling or science chat