The problem of environmental pollution generated by the massive use of plastic materials derived from industry has attracted much interest in the implementation of sustainable processes involving the use of biomass derived from wastes, gas wastes and atmospheric CO2 to generate alternative materials to these high consumption products. The group is focused on the production of bioplastics and other bio-based materials using tools of molecular biology and metabolic engineering, combined with new omic technologies and synthetic biology.

The group "Mechanisms of tumor metastasis" is currently composed by the PI plus another 4-5 researchers with temporary or training contracts. Since joining the CIB, our group has consolidated a solid experience in the identification and development of new biomarkers and useful therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). A large number of proteins relevant to the progression and metastasis of CRC have been characterized, including cadherin 17, IL13Rα2, PAUF and SOSTDC1, and new therapeutic strategies based on these objectives have been developed.

Adult stem cells, or tissue-specific stem cells maintain the tissue homostasis during the organism's life. We aim to understand the biology of these cells and their relationship with cancer stem cells (CSC). Using different celular models including mammary gland, mesenchymal stem cells, neuronal cells and immune cells we hace demonstrated the plasticity of the stem cells and their relationship with the CSC. The last years we have analyzxed the effect of monoclonal antibodies against meural stem cells and early progenitos in tissue regeneration and the treatment of glioblastomas.

An important part of our studies is focused on the characterization of molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of lymphocyte migration and differentiation. On the other hand, we are identifying mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy of melanoma and multiple myeloma cells.

Our objective is to characterize the molecular bases of human disease, focussing most recently in diseases related to the complement system. Our activities involve gene identification, mutation detection and biochemical, cellular and structural analysis of the proteins encoded by the disease-associated genes. A major objective is generating in vitro and in vivo models to increase our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, to improve diagnostics and to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Our group was created in 1991, initially named "Growth Factors in Vertebrate development", and was renamed "Lab 3D, development, differentiation and degeneration" in 2007 when knew research lines were implemented. Our goal is to characterize the mechanisms of regulation of basic cellular processes, proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death during development and in nervous system degeneration. We specially focus in retinal development and in models of retinitis pigmentosa.

Our laboratory studies the gene expression, structure and function of the TGF-beta receptors endoglin and ALK1, in normal physiology and in the context f human pathology, with special emphasis in HHT. Both receptors are able to bind specifically the ligand BMP9, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. Mutations in endoglin or ALK1 genes give raise to HHT1 or HHT2, respectively, which are associated with frequent epistaxis, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, cutaneous telangiectasis and arteriovenous malformations in lung, liver and brain.

In recent years the team currently directed by Drs Paloma López and Gloria del Solar has focused its research on the molecular characterisation of processes of potential biotechnological interest based on the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), given that these bacteria contribute to the preparation of fermented foodstuffs by way of their distincive metabolic pathways. LAB also have potential as probiotic microorganisms and / or synthesisers of prebiotic compounds with beneficial effects for human and animal health.

Our work is focused on global regulation of gene expression and on plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, two processes that play a key role in the adaptation of bacteria to specific niches of their eukaryotic hosts. We work with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, two human commensal bacteria that can become pathogenic under certain circumstances (opportunistic bacteria). Both Gram-positive bacteria can cause serious infections in individuals with a weak immune system and are a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.

Our group comes from the preceding research team of Molecular Parasitology, which is now involved into a common research line under the name VACCINE AND MOLECULAR PARASITOLOGY. The Group was created in 2011. The group is working on the production of animal and human vaccines. The laboratory has developed a vaccine against Leishmania protozoan infection in dogs (NEOLEISH-TM) and is now developing a new vaccine against the human disease. Since 2020, the group is also developing a vaccine against the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.