2018-02-01 to 2023-01-10 | Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacy and Food (IFAL), University of Havana
2015-09-01 to 2017-07-17 | Master of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Food (IFAL), University of Havana
2010-09-01 to 2015-07-03 | BSc in Radiochemistry, Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), University of Havana
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Cancer Research, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biomaterials, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics
8
Scopus Publications
189
Scholar Citations
7
Scholar h-index
5
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Dual lipid modulation overcomes ferroptosis resistance in high-risk neuroblastoma Ine Koeken, Magali Walravens, Roberto Fernández-Acosta, Ruben Van Hoyweghen, Iuliana Vintea, et al. Cell Death and Differentiation, 2026 Ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of cell death triggered by phospholipid peroxidation—has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue in cancer treatment. Although neuroblastoma (NB) has been identified as a ferroptosis susceptible cancer, our studies reveal striking heterogeneity in ferroptosis sensitivity across high-risk NB models. Through a targeted metabolic compound screen, we identified stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1)—a key enzyme in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) synthesis—as a robust ferroptosis-sensitizing target. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SCD1 restored ferroptosis sensitivity in resistant NB cells. Notably, high SCD1 expression correlates with poor patient prognosis. Co-treatment with arachidonic acid (AA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), further enhanced ferroptotic cell death via increased PUFA/MUFA ratio. Nevertheless, neither baseline lipidomic profiles nor transcriptomes of key ferroptosis regulators reliably predicted ferroptosis sensitivity. To overcome AA’s poor solubility, we engineered AA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (AA-LNPs), which selectively accumulated in high-risk NB tumors and synergized with SCD1 inhibition. This dual-sensitization strategy, termed LipidSens, significantly suppressed tumor growth and induced ferroptosis in cell-derived xenograft mouse models without systemic toxicity. Together, these findings establish MUFA synthesis blockade and PUFA enrichment as a tumor-targeted, ferroptosis-enhancing strategy, and offer a nanomedicine-based therapeutic platform for high-risk NB.
Molecular Mechanisms of Nemorosone-Induced Ferroptosis in Cancer Cells Roberto Fernández-Acosta, Behrouz Hassannia, Jurgen Caroen, Bartosz Wiernicki, Daniel Alvarez-Alminaque, et al. Cells, 2023 Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death-driven by excessive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of membranes. A growing body of evidence suggests the induction of ferroptosis as a cutting-edge strategy in cancer treatment research. Despite the essential role of mitochondria in cellular metabolism, bioenergetics, and cell death, their function in ferroptosis is still poorly understood. Recently, mitochondria were elucidated as an important component in cysteine-deprivation-induced (CDI) ferroptosis, which provides novel targets in the search for new ferroptosis-inducing compounds (FINs). Here, we identified the natural mitochondrial uncoupler nemorosone as a ferroptosis inducer in cancer cells. Interestingly, nemorosone triggers ferroptosis by a double-edged mechanism. In addition to decreasing the glutathione (GSH) levels by blocking the System xc cystine/glutamate antiporter (SLC7A11), nemorosone increases the intracellular labile Fe2+ pool via heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) induction. Interestingly, a structural variant of nemorosone (O-methylated nemorosone), having lost the capacity to uncouple mitochondrial respiration, does not trigger cell death anymore, suggesting that the mitochondrial bioenergetic disruption via mitochondrial uncoupling is necessary for nemorosone-induced ferroptosis. Our results open novel opportunities for cancer cell killing by mitochondrial uncoupling-induced ferroptosis.
Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Ferroptosis in a Panel of Cancer Cell Lines Roberto Fernández-Acosta, Claudia Iriarte-Mesa, Daniel Alvarez-Alminaque, Behrouz Hassannia, Bartosz Wiernicki, et al. Molecules, 2022 The use of nanomaterials rationally engineered to treat cancer is a burgeoning field that has reported great medical achievements. Iron-based polymeric nano-formulations with precisely tuned physicochemical properties are an expanding and versatile therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. Recently, a peculiar type of regulated necrosis named ferroptosis has gained increased attention as a target for cancer therapy. Here, we show for the first time that novel iron oxide nanoparticles coated with gallic acid and polyacrylic acid (IONP–GA/PAA) possess intrinsic cytotoxic activity on various cancer cell lines. Indeed, IONP–GA/PAA treatment efficiently induces ferroptosis in glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and fibrosarcoma cells. IONP–GA/PAA-induced ferroptosis was blocked by the canonical ferroptosis inhibitors, including deferoxamine and ciclopirox olamine (iron chelators), and ferrostatin-1, the lipophilic radical trap. These ferroptosis inhibitors also prevented the lipid hydroperoxide generation promoted by the nanoparticles. Altogether, we report on novel ferroptosis-inducing iron encapsulated nanoparticles with potent anti-cancer properties, which has promising potential for further in vivo validation.
Gossypitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, attenuates iron-induced neuronal and mitochondrial damage María Ángeles Bécquer-Viart, Adonis Armentero-López, Daniel Alvarez-Almiñaque, Roberto Fernández-Acosta, Yasser Matos-Peralta, et al. Molecules, 2021 The disruption of iron homeostasis is an important factor in the loss of mitochondrial function in neural cells, leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we assessed the protective action of gossypitrin (Gos), a naturally occurring flavonoid, on iron-induced neuronal cell damage using mouse hippocampal HT-22 cells and mitochondria isolated from rat brains. Gos was able to rescue HT22 cells from the damage induced by 100 µM Fe(II)-citrate (EC50 8.6 µM). This protection was linked to the prevention of both iron-induced mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation and ATP depletion. In isolated mitochondria, Gos (50 µM) elicited an almost complete protection against iron-induced mitochondrial swelling, the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ATP depletion. Gos also prevented Fe(II)-citrate-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation with an IC50 value (12.45 µM) that was about nine time lower than that for the tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidation. Furthermore, the flavonoid was effective in inhibiting the degradation of both 15 and 1.5 mM 2-deoxyribose. It also decreased Fe(II) concentration with time, while increasing O2 consumption rate, and impairing the reduction of Fe(III) by ascorbate. Gos–Fe(II) complexes were detected by UV-VIS and IR spectroscopies, with an apparent Gos-iron stoichiometry of 2:1. Results suggest that Gos does not generally act as a classical antioxidant, but it directly affects iron, by maintaining it in its ferric form after stimulating Fe(II) oxidation. Metal ions would therefore be unable to participate in a Fenton-type reaction and the lipid peroxidation propagation phase. Hence, Gos could be used to treat neuronal diseases associated with iron-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage.
The mitochondrial uncoupling as a promising pharmacological target against cancer Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy Research, 2019
Dual lipid modulation overcomes ferroptosis resistance in high-risk neuroblastoma I Koeken, M Walravens, R Fernández-Acosta, R Van Hoyweghen, I Vintea, ... Cell Death & Differentiation, 1-11 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Harnessing ferroptosis for precision oncology: challenges and prospects R Fernández-Acosta, I Vintea, I Koeken, B Hassannia, T Vanden Berghe BMC biology 23 (1), 57 , 2025 2025 Citations: 31
A review of nemorosone: chemistry and biological properties O Cuesta-Rubio, L Monzote, R Fernández-Acosta, GL Pardo-Andreu, ... Phytochemistry 210, 113674 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Molecular mechanisms of nemorosone-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells R Fernández-Acosta, B Hassannia, J Caroen, B Wiernicki, ... Cells 12 (5), 735 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Molecular mechanisms of nemorosone-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells. Cells 12 (5), 735 R Fernández-Acosta, B Hassannia, J Caroen, B Wiernicki, ... 2023 Citations: 5
Tropical fruits polyphenols: inhibitors of the oxidation of the LDL E Herrera-Pérez, R Fernández-Acosta, Y Bebelagua, JL Rodríguez, ... 2022
Novel iron oxide nanoparticles induce ferroptosis in a panel of cancer cell lines R Fernández-Acosta, C Iriarte-Mesa, D Alvarez-Alminaque, B Hassannia, ... Molecules 27 (13), 3970 , 2022 2022 Citations: 81
Gossypitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, attenuates iron-induced neuronal and mitochondrial damage MÁ Bécquer-Viart, A Armentero-López, D Alvarez-Almiñaque, ... Molecules 26 (11), 3364 , 2021 2021 Citations: 13
The mitochondrial uncoupling as a promising pharmacological target against cancer R Fernández Acosta, O Piñeros, GL Pardo Andreu Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research 7 (2) , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
Antiproliferative activity of compounds that interfere with mitochondrial function. Anticancer and antiparasitic potential GL Pardo-Andreu, J Marín-Prida, O Cuesta-Rubio, E Ochoa, Y Verdecia, ... Revista Anales de la Academia de Ciencias de Cuba 8 (1), 1-8 , 2018 2018
The cytotoxic effects of VE-3N, a novel 1, 4-dihydropyridine derivative, involve the mitochondrial bioenergetic disruption via uncoupling mechanisms J Marín-Prida, GLP Andreu, CP Rossignoli, MG Durruthy, EO Rodríguez, ... Toxicology in vitro 42, 21-30 , 2017 2017 Citations: 17
Potencial anticancerígeno de nuevos derivados dihidropiridínicos. Efectos tóxicos sobre la mitocondria. RF Acosta UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA , 2017 2017
Los desacopladores de la fosforilacion oxidativa mitocondrial como alternativa prometedora para el tratamiento de la diabetes= Uncouplers of mitochondrial oxidative … E Herrera-Pérez, J Marín-Prida, R Fernández Acosta, GL Pardo-Andreu 2016
Nanostructured TiO 2 Obtained by Electrolysis and its Application in the Remediation of Water Polluted with Paracetamol R Fernández-Acosta, E Peláez-Abellán, JR Correa, U Jáuregui-Haza 2016 Citations: 8
HORTALIZAS Y PESCADOS.¿ ALIMENTOS SEGUROS? AAC Galiano, EH Pérez, RF Acosta Revista de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias 1 (2) , 2015 2015 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Novel iron oxide nanoparticles induce ferroptosis in a panel of cancer cell lines R Fernández-Acosta, C Iriarte-Mesa, D Alvarez-Alminaque, B Hassannia, ... Molecules 27 (13), 3970 , 2022 2022 Citations: 81
Harnessing ferroptosis for precision oncology: challenges and prospects R Fernández-Acosta, I Vintea, I Koeken, B Hassannia, T Vanden Berghe BMC biology 23 (1), 57 , 2025 2025 Citations: 31
Molecular mechanisms of nemorosone-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells R Fernández-Acosta, B Hassannia, J Caroen, B Wiernicki, ... Cells 12 (5), 735 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
The cytotoxic effects of VE-3N, a novel 1, 4-dihydropyridine derivative, involve the mitochondrial bioenergetic disruption via uncoupling mechanisms J Marín-Prida, GLP Andreu, CP Rossignoli, MG Durruthy, EO Rodríguez, ... Toxicology in vitro 42, 21-30 , 2017 2017 Citations: 17
Gossypitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, attenuates iron-induced neuronal and mitochondrial damage MÁ Bécquer-Viart, A Armentero-López, D Alvarez-Almiñaque, ... Molecules 26 (11), 3364 , 2021 2021 Citations: 13
A review of nemorosone: chemistry and biological properties O Cuesta-Rubio, L Monzote, R Fernández-Acosta, GL Pardo-Andreu, ... Phytochemistry 210, 113674 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Nanostructured TiO 2 Obtained by Electrolysis and its Application in the Remediation of Water Polluted with Paracetamol R Fernández-Acosta, E Peláez-Abellán, JR Correa, U Jáuregui-Haza 2016 Citations: 8
Molecular mechanisms of nemorosone-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells. Cells 12 (5), 735 R Fernández-Acosta, B Hassannia, J Caroen, B Wiernicki, ... 2023 Citations: 5
The mitochondrial uncoupling as a promising pharmacological target against cancer R Fernández Acosta, O Piñeros, GL Pardo Andreu Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research 7 (2) , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
Dual lipid modulation overcomes ferroptosis resistance in high-risk neuroblastoma I Koeken, M Walravens, R Fernández-Acosta, R Van Hoyweghen, I Vintea, ... Cell Death & Differentiation, 1-11 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
HORTALIZAS Y PESCADOS.¿ ALIMENTOS SEGUROS? AAC Galiano, EH Pérez, RF Acosta Revista de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias 1 (2) , 2015 2015 Citations: 1
Tropical fruits polyphenols: inhibitors of the oxidation of the LDL E Herrera-Pérez, R Fernández-Acosta, Y Bebelagua, JL Rodríguez, ... 2022
Antiproliferative activity of compounds that interfere with mitochondrial function. Anticancer and antiparasitic potential GL Pardo-Andreu, J Marín-Prida, O Cuesta-Rubio, E Ochoa, Y Verdecia, ... Revista Anales de la Academia de Ciencias de Cuba 8 (1), 1-8 , 2018 2018
Potencial anticancerígeno de nuevos derivados dihidropiridínicos. Efectos tóxicos sobre la mitocondria. RF Acosta UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA , 2017 2017
Los desacopladores de la fosforilacion oxidativa mitocondrial como alternativa prometedora para el tratamiento de la diabetes= Uncouplers of mitochondrial oxidative … E Herrera-Pérez, J Marín-Prida, R Fernández Acosta, GL Pardo-Andreu 2016
