- elena.velarde@universidadeuropea.es
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport - Madrid
Full Professor
Dra. Elena Velarde Fernández
- Biomedicine and Health
- Languages and Translation
- Sciences
Elena Velarde is an Associate Professor and researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy.
She holds a PhD in Neurobiology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and is a university expert in Clinical Nutrition and Sports Nutrition from Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM).
She has been working at Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM) since 2009, mainly teaching Physiology and Structure and Function. Additionally, she has conducted scientific research at institutions such as Emory University (Atlanta) and CNRS (Strasbourg).
Her research areas are related to neuroscience, endocrinology, metabolism, and circadian rhythms.
She is the author of 9 articles published in JCR-indexed journals and has contributed to 10 book chapters. She has delivered more than 15 presentations and lectures at national and international scientific and educational conferences.
She combines her teaching activities with research projects at UEM and in collaboration with Universidad Complutense de Madrid, as well as with nutritional counseling.
Academic background
University expert in clinical nutrition and nutritional health
- Universidad Católica de Murcia
- 2022
PhD in Biology - Neuroscience Program
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- 2005 - 2009
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- 1999 - 2004
Degrees
Publications
"Circadian clock genes in goldfish, Carassius auratus: cDNA cloning and rhythmic expression of Period and Cryptochrome transcripts in retina, liver and gut"
Cloning and first-time identification of the clock genes of the negative feedback loop in the goldfish. The ability of these genes to synchronize in non-photosensitive tissues is evidenced for the first time.
"Melatonin-synthesizing enzymes in pineal, retina, liver, and gut of the goldfish (Carassius auratus): mRNA expression pattern and regulation of daily rhythms by lighting conditions"
Cloning and identification of the melatonin synthesis pathway in the goldfish, confirming its presence in non-conventional tissues, including the liver and intestine. Additionally, this study was the first to demonstrate circadian expression profiles in non-photosensitive tissues that persist even in the absence of a light cycle, indicating synchronization to non-photic stimuli, such as feeding schedules.
"Disrupted Circadian Rhythm as a Common Player in Developmental Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders"
This manuscript reviews both the clinical literature and animal models suggesting that exposure to prenatal threats, such as gestational stress or maternal immune activation, alters the fetal hormonal environment by increasing circulating levels of glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Both conditions critically interfere with brain development, which may initiate or exacerbate behavioral abnormalities in the offspring.