Paula Otero, PhD

paulaotero.sanchez@.usc.es

Some years ago, I earned a BSc in Biomedical Science at the University of Lleida, where I first became interested in genetics. Back in Galicia, I pursued that passion by completing an MSc in Genomics and Genetics. During my PhD, I worked on a project investigating the role of the hepatitis B virus in the origins of liver cancer—a project I continue to pursue today. In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, and eating popcorn, but above all, I’m a huge Formula 1 fan.

Education, Grants and Awards

• Jul 2025 PhD in Molecular Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Cum Laude and International mentions.

• May-Jul 2022 Research Stay: Retrotransposons and genome plasticity, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN). Funding: Ministry of Education, Spanish Government.

• 2019 Extraordinary award in Biomedical Science, University of Lleida.

• 2019/2023 Predoctoral fellowship, FPU, Ministry of Universities, Spanish Government.

• 2018/2019 MSc in Genomics and Genetics University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

• 2018/2019 MEFP collaboration scholarship. Zoology, Genetics and Physical Antropology department. Genetics area.

• 2018 Impuls Program Award for the best student in Biomedical Science - Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida.

• 2018 Research Training Grant – Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

• 2014-2018 BSc in Biomedical Science. University of Lleida, Spain.

Publications

1. Álvarez, E.G., Demeulemeester, J.#, Otero, P.#, Jolly, C.#, García-Souto, D.#, et al. Aberrant integration of hepatitis B virus DNA promotes major restructuring of human hepatocellular carcinoma genome architecture. 2021, Nature Communications, (12) 6910. (#equal contribution)
2. Álvarez, E.G.#, Otero, P.#, Rodríguez-Martín, B., Pequeño-Valtierra, A., Otero, I., et al.Characterization of Human Herpesvirus 8 genomic integration and amplification events in a primary effusion lymphoma cell line. 2023, Frontiers in Virology, 3. (#equal contribution)
3. Zumalave, S., Santamarina, M., Espasandín, N.P., García-Souto, D., Temes, J., et al. Synchronous L1 retrotransposition events promote chromosomal crossover early in human tumorigenesis. 2024, bioRxiv. (Includes Otero, P.)

Dissemination activities

CiMUS Podcast

Ciencia e Tal