Cell growth does not occur continuously or at all points of the cell surface. Growth is usually stricitly controlled, both in time and space, and is coupled to cell division. Yeasts are a good model system morphogenesis studies because ot their simplicity and the possibility using genetic approaches to understand the problem. The interest of our group focuses on the study of the regulation of morphogenesis using different yeast and as models. In particular, we intend to study the mechanisms that control temporally and spatially the cell separation process.

Molecular and genetic analysis of the mechanisms granting the proper traffic of polytopic proteins between intracellular membranes.

Our general objective is to study the role of exocytosis and endocytosis in the regulation of morphogenesis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In particular, we are interested in knowing the implication of different vesicle coats and adaptors in this regulation. In addition, mutants lacking some adaptors are sensitive to ionic stress, but not to osmotic or oxidative stress. We are interested in studying the mechanisms involved in this sensitivity. Our initial studies suggest that the exome acts as (or collaborates with) a hub for the coordination of several stress response pathways.

Functions of the glucan synthases in cell wall morphogenesis, polarity, cytokinesis and cell integrity. Study of the mechanism of action and resistance to antifungals that specifically inhibit the synthesis of the cell wall glucan.

The research group works under the supervision of Dr. Francisco Antequera Márquez (Research Professor of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The group is also integrated by Dr. Rodrigo Santamaría Vicente (Tenured Lecturer of Departamento de Informática y Automática, Universidad de Salamanca), Dr. Mar Sánchez García (staff specialized technician, CSIC), two postdoctoral researchers (Alicia García Martínez and Laura Durán Prieto) and a postgraduate PhD student (Loreto García Mejido).

Our group is focused on the molecular mechanisms (checkpoints) monitoring meiotic chromosome dynamics to avoid chromosome missegregation and the formation of aneuploid gametes.

A key feature of meiosis, the cellular program that generates gametes, is the recombination between homologous chromosomes (maternal and paternal) that, in addition to generate genetic diversity, facilitates accurate chromosome segregation. Defects in chromosome segregation during meiosis cause miscarriages, infertility and genetic diseases, and reveal the importance of understanding the meiotic recombination process. Our laboratory is interested in how this particular recombination is regulated.

To maintain genome integrity, DNA must be protected from damage occurring during replication or induced by environmental agents. Different cellular mechanisms such us DNA repair, DNA recombination and DNA damage-checkpoints contribute to preserve DNA integrity and cell survival under conditions that produce DNA alterations. We are mainly interested in the DNA-damage checkpoint, and more specifically in the intra S-phase Checkpoint, which is essential to preserve cell viability after replication in the presence of DNA damage.

Our research interest is transcription regulation in eukaryotes, using as model organism the budding yeast Saccharomyes cerevisiae. Currently, we can define three sublines : 1.-Transcription regulation by RNAPII and its coordination with other nuclear processes, through the study of several transcription factors, such as Sub1 and Spt4/5, and some of the RNAPII subunits, for instances, Rpb4 and Rpb7. 2.-Transcription termination and gene looping.

The bacteria included in the genus Streptomyces have a great industrial importance due to its wide capacity to produce and secrete various hydrolytic enzymes an a huge number of secondary metabolites, mainly antibiotics. They also have a basic interest because they undergo complex differentiation process that goes through various stages: spores, substrate mycelium, aerial mycelium and spores again. Our group is developing several lines of research in these areas.