Botanist and phytobiologist with more than two decades dedicated to the study, conservation and exploitation of genetic resources of Cucurbitaceae, particularly of the genus Sechium (chayote). He is a professor-researcher at the Colegio de Postgraduados and a reference in varietal characterization, phytochemistry oriented to bioactive compounds (e.g., cucurbitacins) and technology transfer to the agricultural sector. His work combines basic research (plant diversity and physiology) with translational applications in health and nutrition -including preclinical and human evidence on standardized extracts-, as well as editorial and genebank leadership.
Training and membership
D. in Botany (Colegio de Postgraduados), Master of Science in Botany (Colegio de Postgraduados) and Agricultural Engineer (UNACH). He is currently a professor-researcher at the Colegio de Postgraduados (Campus San Luis Potosí/Montecillo) and directs/coordinates academic networks in applied botany and genetic resources.
Lines of research and key contributions
- Genetic resources and applied taxonomy of Sechium: He is leading work that has made it possible to establish varietal descriptors (DUS) to distinguish and order the infraspecific variability in S. edule, with direct impact on conservation, registration and improvement. MDPI
- Germplasm banks and regulatory compliancehas made a substantive contribution to the creation and management of the National Germplasm Bank of Sechium edule (BANGESe) in Mexico -recognized as the the only bank dedicated to chayote in the world- and the standardization of the accession passport.
- Phytochemistry and bioactivityPart of their production demonstrates the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of standardized extracts of Sechium in tumor lines (e.g., leukemic and HeLa), as well as the relevance of metabolites (cucurbitacins) and phenolic matrices under genotype selection and breeding schemes. These findings have been published in peer-reviewed and open access journals. Taylor & Francis OnlineMDPIPMC
- Translation to public health and nutritionCollaborates in clinical and population-based studies where controlled consumption of Sechium (in powder or formulations) shows effects antihypertensives, hypoglycemics, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in older adults with metabolic syndrome, always within the framework of research and without implying therapeutic indications. PMC
- Bioprospecting and genotype selectionParticipates in strategies for bioprospecting to identify varieties with higher content/activity of compounds of interest, integrating agronomic, chemical and biological data for the development of lines with nutraceutical value. Nature
Projects and technical leadership
- BANGESe (Mexico)Structuring and strengthening of the bank (collection, documentation and management), articulated with national plant genetic resources guidelines (SNICS) and accession passports. MDPI
- Networking and transferFormation and coordination of interdisciplinary groups focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the chayote, with publications and technical materials that serve as a reference for producers and academics. ageconsearch.umn.edu
- Editorial leadershipEditor in chief/responsible for Agro Productivity (Colegio de Postgraduados) and founder of Agro-Disclosure, platforms that disseminate applied science in agrobiology and rural development. revista-agroproductividad.org+1agrodivulgacion-colpos.org
Role at Quantum Lab
In the context of Quantum Lab, Dr. Cadena provides a unique “lab to standard” capability” in vegetable matrices:
- Standardization of plant biomass and extracts: Design of quality criteria (botanical identity, traceability, phytochemical markers, impurity limits) useful for auxiliary inputs or adjuvants of plant origin in our R&D lines.
- Compliance and access to genetic resourcesAlignment with Nagoya Protocol and best access/benefit-sharing practices, ensuring responsible use of genetic resources and associated data. (Operational link with banks such as BANGESe and published varietal descriptors). MDPI
- Preclinical/translational evaluationConsulting in test design in vitro/in vivo screening of standardized extracts (safety/activity), with critical reading of evidence in experimental oncology and metabolism.
Note: The evidence cited corresponds to basic, preclinical or early clinical research, and no equates to therapeutic indications or medical recommendations.
Selected publications (access and reference)
- Varietal Descriptors for the Distinction of Underutilized Varieties of Sechium edule (Plants, 2022). Establishes varietal descriptors with applications in conservation and improvement. MDPI
- Bioprospecting of Sechium spp. varieties... (Scientific Reports, 2021). Selection strategy for varieties with higher bioactive potential. Nature
- Fruit extract from a Sechium edule hybrid induce apoptosis in leukaemic cell lines... (Nutrition and Cancer, 2015). Evidence of selective cytotoxicity in leukemic lines. Taylor & Francis Online
- Sechium edule... “Black Pearl” with antiproliferative potential in HeLa (Nutrients, 2017). Antiproliferative activity compared with cisplatin. MDPI
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Sechium edule in older adults with MetS (Antioxidants, 2022). Clinical outcomes in cardiometabolic parameters and inflammatory markers. PMC
- Pharmacokinetics and Biological Activity of Cucurbitacins (Molecules/Life Sciences interface, 2022). Co-authored review on pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of cucurbitacins. PMC
- Chayote Fruit... Metabolomic characterization (study in orchards of BANGESe, 2022-2023). Integrate metabolomics and origin of plant material in national bank. PMC+1
- Limitations in the growth and development of chayote (Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici, 2024). Updates physiological and agronomic limitations for Sechium. Notulae Botanicae
Disclosure and editorials
- Agro Productividad (Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief)Monthly magazine of the Colegio de Postgraduados; multiple issues reflect its editorial responsibility. revista-agroproductividad.org+1colpos.mx
- Agro-Disclosure (Founder)bimonthly journal of technical-scientific communication; the official website acknowledges his role as founder.