Warner Alpízar-Alpízar

Ph.d. student

Visiting ph.d. student from Bergen University, Norway.


Key Research Interests
Gastric cancer biology, Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, inflammation in gastric cancer development and progression, extracellular matrix degrading proteinases in gastric cancer development and progression.


Current project
Expression of inflammation mediators and extracellular matrix proteinases in gastric cancer (gastric cancer biology).

This project is conducted in the frame of a collaborative research network between University of Costa Rica, University of Bergen, Norway and The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshopitalet, Denmark and seeks to determine and characterize the expression of inflammatory mediators and components of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system in gastric cancer as well as in the preneoplastic lesions that lead to the malignancy. Currently, I am focused on the expression of:

1) Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in neoplastic lesions and non-noplastic tissue in response to H. pylori infection.

2) Lipocalin-2 (NGAL/ Lcn-2) in non-neoplastic tissue in response to H. pylori infection.


Career
University of Bergen: 2006 - up to date:
PhD Student
Subject: Expression of inflammation mediators and extracellular matrix proteinases in gastric cancer (gastric cancer biology).

University of Costa Rica: 2001 - 2003:
Degree: Magister Scientiae on Biology Focused on Genetics and Molecular Biology (honorific mention at thesis defense).

University of Costa Rica: 1995 - 2000:
Degree: Bachelor Degree on Biology.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

RESEARCHER Cancer Epidemiology Institutional Research Program, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José (2001-2003 as master student; temporary position: 2004-2005; collaborator: 2006 up to date).

GUEST RESEARCHER at The Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. (January 12th- up to date, 2009; October 5th- November 9th, 2008; April 13th- June 14th, 2008 and September 2nd- 28th, 2007).

GUEST RESEARCHER at The Infectious Diseases Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine (NYU), New York, United States (November 3rd to November 29th, 2003).

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY: Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica (May 2004-August 2005; August 2006-December 2006).

GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY: Universidad Hispanoamericana, San José, Costa Rica (May 2004-August 2005).