Our activity follows a two-pronged approach. A first course of action is devoted to the research and mobilization of favorable traits and underlying genes in local barley phytogenetic resources, through the use of genetic and genomic approaches. In a second, more applied activity, we make use of the knowledge acquired for the development of cultivars and technologies suitable for a sustainable agriculture.

Our group lies at the intersection of computational and structural biology, genomics and plant breeding and stems from the Genetics and Plant Breeding and Plant Biology departments. Our main activities are the development of software and databases for the analysis of genomic and agroclimatic data, as well as structural and evolutionary studies of protein families. We collaborate with research groups from EEAD-CSIC, different universities and CSIC connections Life Hub and BCB.

The Plant Micronutrient Stress Physiology Group has a strong background in chemistry and biochemistry and extensive experience in plant physiology, omics technologies, and mass spectrometry. Its research focuses on understanding how plants respond to micronutrient metal deficiencies and toxicities, with a particular emphasis on iron (Fe) nutrition, a field in which the group is internationally recognised.

(1) Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and antioxidants in legumes. (2) Abiotic stress and oxidative/nitrosative stress in nodules. (3) Natural and stress-induced nodule senescence. (4) Roles of RONS as molecular signals. (5) Structure and function of plant hemoglobins. (6) Structural and functional genomics of model and crop legumes.

The Group studies the biosynthesis of lipids and fatty acids in plants and seeds, and their role in acclimation responses (temperature) or in certain environmental stresses. Some fatty acids, such as linolenic acid (18:3), are precursors of jasmonic synthesis and, therefore, participate in the responses of the plant against pathogen attack. We study the role of omega-3 desaturases in this regulation and the interaction of the biosynthesis of poliunsaturated fatty acids with other stress signaling pathways in the plant, through the identification of specific transcription factors.

The NPCF group, composed of researchers from the Departments of Pomology and Plant Biology of the EEAD, focuses on understanding the genetic control and physiology of fruit quality, introducing new technologies for the fruit and vegetable industry, and increasing the quality of fruits. products through sustainable, environmentally friendly and competitive production techniques. Our studies aim to optimize the physiological processes that regulate the productivity and quality characteristics of deciduous fruit species, following a holistic approach.

Plant Breeding and Bank germplasm conservation of fruit tree species from the Rosaceae family (Prunus and Malus): i) Breeding and selection of Prunus rootstocks and peach cultivars with good organoleptic properties and well adapted to the Mediterranean fruit growing areas; ii) Development of multidisciplinary techniques to be applied in Breeding Mass Selection; and iii) Conservation and characterization of genetic resources in fruit trees (apple, peach and Prunus rootstocks).

Research topics of the group are: i) water erosion and soil and nutrient redistribution (C and N); ii) erosion factors (soil types, land use, rainfall erosivity); and iii) agroclimatology and hydrologic resources in the agriculture. The group uses a variety of methods including soil characterization and mapping, isotopic and nuclear analysis, field process monitoring, and numerical simulation.

Our group is interested in studying how cell signalling (e.g. MAPK, AKT) can affect the malignant transformation process. To this end, we have developed several lines of research including chemical and genetic approaches applied to in vitro models of cancer cell lines and in vivo mouse models. We are currently focusing on the study of the role of MAPK-dependent signalling in human sarcoma, a pathology with a high incidence in childhood. Using an experimental mouse model based on chemical carcinogenesis, we hope to clarify the role of MAPKs in the development of soft tissue sarcomas.

Study of the role of thyroid hormones in the organism, specially in the brain, and the physiopathological conditions arising from disturbances in their availability and mechanisms of action.