Overview
Personal profile
Bachelor of Science (Industrial Microbiology) and Doctor of Biological Sciences at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. I am Associate Professor of the Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEIM) at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. During my initial researcher stay (IEIM) I worked in production and purification of different recombinant human lysosomal enzymes in microorganisms (bacteria and yeast). Additionally, I worked in the design of ELISA tests for identification of those recombinant lysosomal enzymes making use of IgY antibodies produced and purified by ourselves. During my PhD I worked specifically in production and purification of three human recombinant lysosomal β-hexosaminidases, which were characterized biochemically and tested in vitro in different cell lines. Currently, I'm working on the production of recombinant proteins for GM2 gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB, among others. In addition, the work is focused in the biological protein characterization in vitro and in vivo, as well as in the study of new alternatives to deliver recombinant proteins to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Education
PhD, Doctor in Biological Sciences
Award Date: 20 Sep 2016
Bachelor, Industrial Microbiologist
Award Date: 13 Aug 2003
Category in the National Science System 2024
- Senior
Associated academic programs - Bogotá
- Bacteriology
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Doctorate in Biological Sciences
- Ecology
- Specialization in Clinical Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank Management
- Specialization in Medical Microbiology
- Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences and Environmental Education
- Master's Degree in Biological Sciences
- Master's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Industrial Microbiology
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Evaluation of GlcNAc-Configured Glycomimetics as Pharmacological Chaperones of NAGLU for the Treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB
Ballout, N., Désiré, J., Espejo-Mojica, A. J., Niño-Traslaviña, K., Sandoval, D., Alméciga-Díaz, C. J., Blériot, Y. & Ausseil, J., Feb 2026, In: Biomolecules. 16, 2, p. 1-20 20 p., 313.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Tay-Sachs disease models: From cellular and animal models to treatment perspectives
Suarez, D. A., Leal, A. F., Pachajoa, H., Granados-Villalobos, S., Espejo-Mojica, A. J., Seyrantepe, V. & Alméciga-Díaz, C. J., 18 Mar 2026, In: Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. 148, 2, 11 p., 109905.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Evaluation of the PP6D5 Polymer as a Novel Non-Viral Vector in the Development of a CRISPR/nCas9-Based Gene Therapy for Tay–Sachs Disease
Guerrero-Vargas, J. M., Suarez-Garcia, D. A., Leal, A. F., Diaz-Ariza, I. L., Pérez-Pérez, L. D., Espejo-Mojica, A. J. & Alméciga-Díaz, C. J., 09 May 2025, In: Pharmaceutics. 17, 5, 628.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access2 Scopus citations -
Yeast-Produced Human Recombinant Lysosomal β-Hexosaminidase Efficiently Rescues GM2 Ganglioside Accumulation in Tay-Sachs Disease
Inci, O. K., Leal, A. F., Ates, N., Súarez, D. A., Espejo-Mojica, A. J., Alméciga-Diaz, C. J. & Seyrantepe, V., 10 May 2025, In: Journal of Personalized Medicine. 15, 5, 196.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Scopus citations -
A close-up view of the Hunter syndrome
Ramírez, C. C., Alméciga-Díaz, C. J., Martín-Rufián, M., Cárdenas-García, C., Espejo-Mojica, A. J., Lobo, C. & Benincore, E. P., 12 Feb 2024, In: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 696, 149490.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Projects
- 19 Finished
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Evaluación de nanoplásmidos como herramienta en el diseño de un sistema de edición genómica para la Mucopolisacaridosis IV A
Almeciga Diaz, C. J. (PI), Espejo Mojica, A. J. (CoPI) & Leal Bohórquez, A. F. (Ases)
12/08/24 → 30/03/26
Project: Research
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Edición génica mediante el uso del sistema CRISPR/nCas9 y un método de entrega no viral para la enfermedad de Tay-Sachs
Almeciga Diaz, C. J. (PI), Espejo Mojica, A. J. (CoI), Suárez García, D. A. (CoI) & Seyrantepe, V. (Ases)
01/02/23 → 01/02/25
Project: Research
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Estudio del potencial efecto protector de una proteína diseñada para bloquear la interacción SARS-CoV2 RBD/hACE2.
Almeciga Diaz, C. J. (PI), Camacho Rodriguez, B. A. (CoI), Espejo Mojica, A. J. (CoI), Perdomo Arciniegas, A. M. D. P. (CoI) & Segura, C. A. R. (CoI)
28/01/22 → 28/11/24
Project: Research
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The efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in early-onset Tay-Sachs disease mouse model
Almeciga Diaz, C. J. (PI), Espejo Mojica, A. J. (CoI), Leal Bohórquez, A. F. (Doct) & Suárez García, D. A. (Doct)
29/12/21 → 28/12/23
Project: Research
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Producción de la enzima humana recombinante alfa-N-acetilglucosaminadasa (NAGLU) en dos cepas de Pichia sp. como alternativa para el desarrollo de una terapia de reemplazo enzimático (TRE) para Sanfilippo III-B
Espejo Mojica, A. J. (PI), Albarracin Cordero, S. L. (CoI), Almeciga Diaz, C. J. (CoI) & Wei-Sheng (Ases)
01/02/21 → 15/01/23
Project: Research
Press/Media
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Pontifical University Javeriana Researcher Adds New Study Findings to Research in COVID-19 (Study of Potential Blocking Peptides Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RBD/hACE2 Interaction)
Espejo Mojica, A. J., Almeciga Diaz, C. J., Perez Cerquera, M. R. & Perez Florez, M.
07/10/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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Findings from Pontificia University Javeriana Yields New Data on Mucopolysaccharidoses (Identification of Orthosteric and Allosteric Pharmacological Chaperones for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type Iiib)
Espejo Mojica, A. J., Almeciga Diaz, C. J. & Vanegas Escamilla, E. P.
13/08/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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New Science and Technology Study Findings Recently Were Published by Researchers at Pontifical University Javeriana (Novel human recombinant N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase produced in a glyco-engineered Escherichia coli strain)
Espejo Mojica, A. J., Almeciga Diaz, C. J. & Sanchez, O. F.
26/06/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media