{"id":1591,"date":"2025-10-09T09:25:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T13:25:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/?post_type=dt_team&#038;p=1591"},"modified":"2025-10-09T09:32:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T13:32:23","slug":"dr-carlos-a-torres-ramos","status":"publish","type":"dt_team","link":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/dt_team\/dr-carlos-a-torres-ramos\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Carlos A. Torres Ramos"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-67669e7df7d546e3\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-67669e7df7d546e3 uvc-4568 accent-subtitle-color\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-67669e7df7d546e3 h2'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:30px;mobile_landscape:34px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:40px;mobile_landscape:44px;\"}' ><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#0a0a0a;margin-bottom:10px;\">Dr. Carlos A. Torres Ramos<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-67669e7df7d546e3 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:18px;mobile_landscape:20px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:34px;mobile_landscape:30px;\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">Professor<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;]<div class=\"ult-content-box-container \" >\t\t<div class=\"ult-content-box\" style=\"background-color:#545454;box-shadow: px px px px none;border-style:solid;border-width:5px;border-radius:5px;border-color:#545454;padding:10px;-webkit-transition: all 700ms ease;-moz-transition: all 700ms ease;-ms-transition: all 700ms ease;-o-transition: all 700ms ease;transition: all 700ms ease;\"  data-hover_box_shadow=\"none\"     data-bg=\"#545454\"  data-border_color=\"#545454\" ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"the7_shortcodes-inline-css\">.shortcode-single-image-wrap.shortcode-single-image-760916610e2b814bc5dfe19bef38612a.enable-bg-rollover .rollover i,\n.shortcode-single-image-wrap.shortcode-single-image-760916610e2b814bc5dfe19bef38612a.enable-bg-rollover .rollover-video i {\n  background: -webkit-linear-gradient();\n  background: linear-gradient();\n}\n.shortcode-single-image-wrap.shortcode-single-image-760916610e2b814bc5dfe19bef38612a .rollover-icon {\n  font-size: 32px;\n  color: #ffffff;\n  min-width: 44px;\n  min-height: 44px;\n  line-height: 44px;\n  border-radius: 100px;\n  border-style: solid;\n  border-width: 0px;\n}\n.dt-icon-bg-on.shortcode-single-image-wrap.shortcode-single-image-760916610e2b814bc5dfe19bef38612a .rollover-icon {\n  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.3);\n  box-shadow: none;\n}<\/style><div class=\"shortcode-single-image-wrap shortcode-single-image-760916610e2b814bc5dfe19bef38612a alignnone  enable-bg-rollover dt-icon-bg-off\" style=\"margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px; width:300px;\"><div class=\"shortcode-single-image\"><div class=\"fancy-media-wrap  layzr-bg\" style=\"\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"preload-me lazy-load aspect\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D&#39;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#39;%20viewBox%3D&#39;0%200%20300%20300&#39;%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/03\/Carlos-A.-Torres.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/03\/Carlos-A.-Torres.jpg 300w\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\"  data-dt-location=\"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/dt_team\/keven-j-laboy-juarez\/carlos-a-torres\/\" style=\"--ratio: 300 \/ 300;\" alt=\"Dr. Carlos A. Torres Ramos\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Contact Info<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"uavc-list-icon uavc-list-icon-wrapper ult-adjust-bottom-margin   \"><ul class=\"uavc-list\"><li><div class=\"uavc-list-content\" id=\"list-icon-wrap-1027\">\n<div class=\"uavc-list-icon  \" data-animation=\"\" data-animation-delay=\"03\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><div class=\"ult-just-icon-wrapper  \"><div class=\"align-icon\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<div class=\"aio-icon none \"  style=\"color:#ffffff;font-size:32px;display:inline-block;\">\n\t<i class=\"icomoon-the7-font-the7-mail-03\"><\/i>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><span  data-ultimate-target='#list-icon-wrap-1027 .uavc-list-desc'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  class=\"uavc-list-desc ult-responsive\" style=\"\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" href=\"mailto:carlos.torres27@upr.edu\">carlos.torres27@upr.edu<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"uavc-list-content\" id=\"list-icon-wrap-8856\">\n<div class=\"uavc-list-icon  \" data-animation=\"\" data-animation-delay=\"03\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><div class=\"ult-just-icon-wrapper  \"><div class=\"align-icon\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<div class=\"aio-icon none \"  style=\"color:#ffffff;font-size:32px;display:inline-block;\">\n\t<i class=\"icomoon-the7-font-the7-map-05\"><\/i>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><span  data-ultimate-target='#list-icon-wrap-8856 .uavc-list-desc'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  class=\"uavc-list-desc ult-responsive\" style=\"\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Office A-644, Lab A659<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">School of Medicine<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">University of Puerto Rico<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Medical Sciences Campus<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">P.O. Box 365067<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">San Juan, PR 00936-5067<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"uavc-list-content\" id=\"list-icon-wrap-1494\">\n<div class=\"uavc-list-icon  \" data-animation=\"\" data-animation-delay=\"03\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><div class=\"ult-just-icon-wrapper  \"><div class=\"align-icon\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<div class=\"aio-icon none \"  style=\"color:#ffffff;font-size:32px;display:inline-block;\">\n\t<i class=\"icomoon-the7-font-the7-phone-071\"><\/i>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><span  data-ultimate-target='#list-icon-wrap-1494 .uavc-list-desc'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  class=\"uavc-list-desc ult-responsive\" style=\"\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">(787)758-2525 x1676<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>[vc_column_text]<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Education<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">B.S. 1986, Biology, University of Puerto Rico, R\u00edo Piedras, PR<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">M.S. 1989 , Biology, University of Puerto Rico, R\u00edo Piedras, PR<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Ph.D.\u00a0 1996, Human Genectis and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Postdoc, 1999, Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-614969e7df7d5563a\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-614969e7df7d5563a uvc-3535  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-614969e7df7d5563a h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">RESEARCH INTEREST<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-614969e7df7d5563a .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\">My research focuses on understanding how DNA repair processes\u2014particularly those involving mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)\u2014contribute to physiological function and disease. I am especially interested in the role of mitochondrial genome maintenance in aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Loss of mtDNA integrity compromises mitochondrial function, disrupts cellular energetics, and promotes genomic instability\u2014hallmarks of many pathological conditions.<\/p>\n<p>A central focus of my work is the base excision repair (BER) pathway and the role of key enzymes such as APE1 in sustaining mitochondrial homeostasis after genotoxic stress. I also examine how environmental factors impact mtDNA repair and mitochondrial signaling.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, I am continuing the cardiovascular research program initiated by my late colleague, Dr. Sabzali Javadov, with a focus on the role of mitochondria in cardiac injury, particularly during ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Our studies investigate the interplay between regulated cell death pathways\u2014including ferroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy\u2014and mitochondrial dysfunction, with the aim of identifying therapeutic targets for cardioprotection.<\/p>\n<p>To address these questions, my laboratory utilizes <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae<\/em> to investigate the core mechanisms of genome stability, which we then translate to mammalian systems, including human cell lines and mouse models. We utilize a range of experimental tools, including bioenergetics profiling (Seahorse XF), live-cell imaging, and,\u00a0 i<em>n vitro<\/em>,<em> in vivo, <\/em>and <em>ex vivo<\/em> models of human diseases, to elucidate the intersection of DNA repair and mitochondrial function in health and disease.<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-796169e7df7d55694\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-796169e7df7d55694 uvc-7602  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-796169e7df7d55694 h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">PAST STUDENTS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-796169e7df7d55694 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\">Joseph Capella Mu\u00f1\u00edz, MS, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Carmen P\u00e9rez P\u00e9rez, PhD, 2022<\/p>\n<p>Adlin Rodr\u00edguez, PhD, 2018<\/p>\n<p>Joan Ballista Hern\u00e1ndez, PhD, 2016<\/p>\n<p>Yar\u00eda Arroyo, PhD, 2014<\/p>\n<p>Ceidy Torres Ort\u00edz, PhD, 2014<\/p>\n<p>Karina Acevedo, PhD, 2009<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-426769e7df7d556d7\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-426769e7df7d556d7 uvc-5440  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-426769e7df7d556d7 h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">CURRENT STUDENTS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-426769e7df7d556d7 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><strong>Doctoral<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sabrina Correa (2026-expected)<\/p>\n<p>Valeria Villar\u00edn (2026-expected)<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-752169e7df7d55715\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-752169e7df7d55715 uvc-7638  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-752169e7df7d55715 h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATORS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-752169e7df7d55715 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><strong>UPR, MSC, School of Medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Department of Physiology: Annabell C Segarra, PhD<\/p>\n<p>Department of Pharmacology: Dr. Sylvette Ayala<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-482769e7df7d55753\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-482769e7df7d55753 uvc-8646  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-482769e7df7d55753 h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:30px;\">PUBLICATIONS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-482769e7df7d55753 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\">\u2022 M Parodi-Rull\u00e1n R, Chapa-Dubocq X, Guzm\u00e1n-Hern\u00e1ndez R, Jang S,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>, Ayala-Pe\u00f1a S, Javadov S. The Role of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase in the Assembly of Respiratory Supercomplexes in Cardiac Cells. Cells. 2019 Oct 13;8(10). doi: 10.3390\/cells8101247. PubMed PMID: 31614941; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6829619.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Forestier-Rom\u00e1n IS, L\u00f3pez-Rivas A, S\u00e1nchez-V\u00e1zquez MM, Rohena-Rivera K, Nieves-Burgos G, Ortiz-Zuazaga H,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>, Mart\u00ednez-Ferrer M. Andrographolide induces DNA damage in prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget. 2019 Feb 1;10(10):1085-1101. doi: 10.18632\/oncotarget.26628. eCollection 2019 Feb 1. PubMed PMID: 30800220; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6383681.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Ram\u00edrez Lugo JS,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>. Rebuilding Caribbean science. Science. 2017 Oct 13;358(6360):151. doi: 10.1126\/science.aaq1210. Epub 2017 Oct 12. PubMed PMID: 29026018.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Ballista-Hern\u00e1ndez J, Mart\u00ednez-Ferrer M, V\u00e9lez R, Climent C, S\u00e1nchez-V\u00e1zquez MM, Torres C, Rodr\u00edguez-Mu\u00f1oz A, Ayala-Pe\u00f1a S,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>. Mitochondrial DNA Integrity Is Maintained by APE1 in Carcinogen-Induced Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res. 2017 Jul;15(7):831-841. doi: 10.1158\/1541-7786.MCR-16-0218. Epub 2017 Mar 30. PubMed PMID: 28360037; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5500394.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Jansen RJ, Fonseca-Williams S, Bamlet WR, Ayala-Pe\u00f1a S, Oberg AL, Petersen GM,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>. Detection of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pancreatic cancer patients. Mol Carcinog. 2015 Oct;54(10):1220-6. doi: 10.1002\/mc.22189. Epub 2014 Aug 11. PubMed PMID: 25111947; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4478243.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Barreto-Torres G, Hernandez JS, Jang S, Rodr\u00edguez-Mu\u00f1oz AR,\u00a0<strong>Torres-Ramos CA<\/strong>, Basnakian AG, Javadov S. The beneficial effects of AMP kinase activation against oxidative stress are associated with prevention of PPAR\u03b1-cyclophilin D interaction in cardiomyocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015 Apr 1;308(7):H749-58. doi: 10.1152\/ajpheart.00414.2014. Epub 2015 Jan 23. PubMed PMID: 25617357; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4385997.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CWCS Workshop: Fundamentals of Mitochondrial Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mitochondria Workshop 2011<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1377,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","dt_team_category":[26],"class_list":["post-1591","dt_team","type-dt_team","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","dt_team_category-faculty","dt_team_category-26","description-off"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dt_team\/1591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dt_team"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/dt_team"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1591"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"dt_team_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/physiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dt_team_category?post=1591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}