Dr. Djouder’s lab employs genetically engineered mouse models with advanced technologies to study the mechanisms of diseases associated to the digestive system arising from unhealthy diets, nutrient imbalances, and sedentary lifestyles, all of which can lead to severe inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Djouder’s groundbreaking work has uncovered mechanisms behind the inflammatory properties of nutrients and their connection to various disorders. He established that metabolic dysfunction contributes to genomic instability, triggering inflammatory conditions, suggesting that cancer hallmarks are intrinsic to the tumorigenesis timeline. His contributions include NAD⁺ depletion in DNA damage-induced inflammation and cancer, as well as pioneering the use of nicotinamide riboside as an NAD⁺ supplement for cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Djouder has linked inflammation, particularly IL-17A, to obesity and autoimmune disorders, connecting them to liver disease-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. His findings have gained significant attention from pharmaceutical companies like Lilly and Novartis, opening avenues to clinical trials exploring IL-17A blockers as potential treatments for obesity.

Dr. Djouder has an impressive publication record in high-impact factor journals. He has also received prestigious awards, including the Ramon y Cajal Award, and secured national and international funding. Despite CNIO’s policy against granting tenure to Junior Group Leaders, his exceptional achievements led to his promotion to Senior Group Leader in January 2018.

Overall, his research contributions in the areas of nutrients, inflammation, and cancer have been widely recognized and rewarded, establishing him as an expert in this field.