We are a multidiscplinary laboratory that combines theory and experiments to understand the mechanisms that control embryonic self-organization. The main goal of our research is to understand how embryonic stem cell spheroids called Embrioid Bodies are able to spontaneously form an embryonic axis and undergo gastrulation.

The laboratory investigates the impact of biological sex in brain function. In particular, we address how sex hormones and sex chromosomes shape the function of the hippocapus, a brain region involved in memory and spatial navigation.

Cell division requires the proper spatio-temporal coordination between mitosis and citokinesis to allow the correct inheritance of the genetic material. Eukaryotic cells assemble the mitotic spindle to permit chromosome segregation into the daughter cells. The spindle in an structure made on microtubules, which are polarized and highly polarized cytoskeletal filaments. The major functions of the spindle are to properly capture chromosomes and to become a bipolar structure that allows their segregation into the daughter cells during cell division.

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the cellular and molecular immunological mechanisms of autoimmunity and cancer. Specifically, we focus on studying how microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes regulate immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases and antitumor immunity. In addition, we are developing innovative genome engineering strategies for therapeutic purposes.

The purpose of our laboratory in the study of RNA-guided gene regulation focused on the function of small and long non-coding RNAs guiding novel nuclear events. We are performing a detailed analysis of nuclear RNA processes by studying the identity, localization, and functions of specific nuclear RNA molecules, nuclear RNA/proteins complexes and nuclear shuttling processes in Arabidopsis thaliana and Caenorhabditis elegans. Through these analyses, we expect to characterize novel nuclear RNA pathways and to uncover their biological relevance.

Fundamental understanding, rational design and optimization of solid catalyst materials capable of activating and selectively converting recalcitrant and multi-bond small molecules such as CH4, CO, CO2 and N2 into added-value (petro)chemicals.

The main scientific interest of our research group is to provide knowledge about palaeoenvironmental evolution during the Pleistocene and the Holocene, and the impact of anthropogenic activities and/or climate variability on the landscape and the vegetation history; especially through pollen records from both natural (e.g. lakes, peat bogs) and archaeological sites.

We study the molecular mechanisms that regulate ion transport (chloride and nitrate) in plants, its effect on plant nutrition and in the resistance to water deficit and salinity. In the agronomic context, chloride has traditionally been considered a toxic anion for agriculture due to its effect under salinity conditions and for impairing nitrogen nutrition by being a competitor for nitrate transport.

Research in the group will focus on developing effective homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for a better synthetic chemistry, from multi-ton products to fine chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Catalysis is a cross matter in many fields, including organic synthesis and material science, and serves for the understanding of chemistry and how it influences our way of life. However, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are usually separated and low inter-crossed fields, so the objective of our group is a cross-fertilization between both.

The Aquatic Biotechnology group (Acuabiotec) focuses its research activity on functional genomics applied to the development of marine species, innovation and optimization of aquaculture systems, animal welfare in aquaculture and the development of new species and aquaculture products.