Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program

María Virumbrales-Muñoz

Position title: Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Pronouns: She/her/ella

Email: virumbralesm@wisc.edu

Phone: In vitro biomimetic modeling, cancer, and women's health

Address:
Education
Biochemistry 2011 Major equivalent: Genetics, Minor equivalent: Chemistry. University of Zaragoza, Spain
M.S. 2012 Molecular and Cell Biology. University of Zaragoza, Spain
Master of Teaching 2013 University of Zaragoza
Ph.D. 2017 Biomedical Engineering University of Zaragoza, Spain
Post-Doctoral Trainee 2023 Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Photo of Maria Virumbrales-Munoz

NIH Biosketch
PubMed Publications
Department Website

Research Focus

Our research interests lie at the intersection of in vitro biomimetic modeling, cancer, and women’s health. Our lab uses microfluidic (i.e., with volumes in the microscale) technologies to recreate 3D mimics of in vivo tissues and investigate disease progression. Traditional 2D models are limited in investigating specific cell-cell interactions and signaling contributions. Our biomimetic models, also called microphysiological systems (MPS) offer a promising alternative to recapitulate in vivo scenarios. Two important examples of application for our MPS technology are high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma metastasis and preeclampsia.

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30% for patients with metastatic disease, and a high degree of recurrence. >75% HGSOC patients show metastasis to the adipose tissue located in the visceral omentum; a fatty tissue positioned in front of the small bowel. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for increased metastasis of HGSOC to the omentum. We have developed an MPS of the omentum that mimics how bowel peristalsis assists cell dispersion and allows us to interrogate how different environmental factors promote HGSOC adhesion to the peritoneal cavity and metastasis into the omentum.

The second area of interest in our lab is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia occurs in 3-5% of all pregnancies, and despite decades of research, the etiology remains unclear and treatments are insufficient.

Endothelial dysfunction is an indicator of compromised vascular health present in preeclampsia. These disorders often present with a systemic inflammatory response known to be linked to inflammation. We have developed an MPS to investigate the roles of soluble signaling molecules (either coming from systemic circulation or from immune-vascular interactions) in modulating vascular endothelial function and the progression of preeclamptic disorders during pregnancy.

Program Activities

  • Joined ERP Program: 2023
  • Teaching
    • AN SCI 875 – Biochemical Concepts in Endocrinology
    • Instructor – OBS&GYN 710 Reproductive Endocrine Physiology (Bioengineering, Endocrine Disrupters lectures)

Trainees

No Current or Past ERP Students