Dr. Moranta’s research career has been conducted in three different stages that have in common that they focused on the analysis of the cellular and/or physiological responses occurring during different physio-pathological states, aimed to unmask the underlying molecular mechanisms. During PhD period at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB; 2000-2005, FPI fellow from MCYT), he analysed the effect of different drugs on brain monoaminergic systems. Dr. Moranta showed the presynaptic location of CB1 receptors on afferent fibers to catecholaminergic neurons and on serotonergic terminals. Additionally, the results of his studies showed the modulation of different monoaminergic receptors after chronic exposure to cannabinoid compounds, as well as the modulation of the MAPK-ERK signalling pathway on different brain regions.

Dr. Moranta’s postdoctoral period (2006-2015) was conducted in the “Infection and Immunity Laboratory” of the “Institute of Health Research” of UIB (IdISBa; initially named Caubet-Cimera Foundation). Part of his research was also associated to the corporative program on New Therapeutic Targets from the Spanish Network Research Center for Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES; from 09/2009 to 12/2015). During this period, the bulk of his research was focused on unmasking the innate immune response activated during bacterial infection of the lung (mainly pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae), trying to identify new therapeutic targets to fight against these infections.

The last research period started when he became an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Biology Department of the UIB (10/2008 to 09/2016). In 09/2016 he received a full-time position at the Physiology area from the same department, first as Assistant Professor and afterwards as Associate Professor of physiology. Since this period, Dr. Moranta’s research has been conducted in the Neurophysiology Group of the UIB where he analyses the role of neuroinflammatory processes on brain aging and explores the neuroprotective effect of different strategies during aging. During the last years, he has also been collaborating with the Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress of the UIB.