It has available a well equipped laboratory of 80m2. Enjoy a 2013-2015 National Plan Project and Project Explora (2012-2013) as IP, and is Participant in a Project Excellence Andalucía.IP Jordi Gómez is also IP of a group of CIBER liver and digestive diseases. A postdoctral and two predoctral memebers are currently beign founded. The group has regular contacts and exchange of samples with clinical researchers memebers in the area of viral hepatitis from several Hospitals (vall d’Hebron, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, etc..) and a group of tropical virus in the INIA.

Since its formation the Group has a multidisciplinary nature, oriented to the molecular and immunological characterization of functional genes and antigens that play an important role in the biology of various infectious agents of a protozoan type. At the beginning, the research activity of the group was eminently oriented to the generation of knowledge, and quickly it has been integrated into relevant studies of a applied research nature, both in the field of biotechnology and health.

The group began in the year 2001. The research has been directed in three directions simultaneously addressed: 1.- research aimed at the generation of knowledge of specific biological processes that take place in infectious agents with biomedical interest.50% 2.- applied research with translational profile in the field of biomedicine.40% 3.- exploration of novel aspects which may be applied directly to biomedicine, which may open new areas of study.10%. A highly qualified staff with experience in the topics to be addressed forms the group.

Since it was created in 1995 the group has always been focused on the biological activity of RNA. The addressed objectives have led us to nowadays focusing in the functional characterization of genomic RNA motifs and the characterization of the RNA as tool and therapeutic target. Knowledge of the existence of information encoded in the RNA that does not lead to protein products and its functional implications, has been a major revolution in understanding the biology of the cell and many infectious agents such as RNA viruses.

The group's research investigates specific molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression in trypanosomes. Identification of unique molecular mechanisms, as they provide selective processes as new therapeutic targets while promoting our understanding eukaryotes gene expression. We provided evidences supporting a model based on nuclear architecture for VSG-ES epigenetic regulation. Recruitment-dependent activation of a single VSG-ES by the unique nuclear body ESB, allows monoallelic expression, while transcriptional switching occurs by VSG-ES/ESB interaction exchange.

Since 1991 the group is a consolidated team interested in the discovery of unique aspects of the metabolism of parasitic protozoa with the aim of exploiting the resulting information in the design of novel therapeutic strategies. We have participated in several multidisciplinary consortia specifically devoted to the discovery of drugs for the treatment of tropical diseases. The IP has coordinated several EU funded projects and has collaborations with pharma industry and clinical groups.

Identification and characterization of RNA-binding proteins and their associated RNAs that control gene expression

Human activity in mountains has decreased drastically in the last decades, modifying plant communities and landscape, mainly through shrub and tree encroachment with the detriment and reduction of pastures. Besides, global warming is affecting species distribution, and consequently the organization of communities, being particularly relevant for very specialized organisms and those adapted to extreme conditions like alpine ecosystems or dry habitats.

We focus on developing methods and strategies for the management and restoration of ecosystems and natural resources. Emphasis is allocated to identify and quantify the human impacts causing the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic communities and the socio-ecological interactions. We applied methods ranging from experimental manipulation to extensive field-work and ecological modeling, at multiple spatial-temporal scales.

The group investigates the environmental variability in continental areas during the Quaternary at different time scales from glacial cycles to annual and at different spatial scales including monitoring, from small basins to interhemispheric teleconnections. We use palaeoarchives as landscape and geomorphic systems, lakes, caves, biogenic deposits and archaeological sites.