Plant isoprenoids are metabolites with many applications as phytonutrients and a source of materials and energy. In plastids, isoprenoids derive from the MEP pathway. We are using forward and reverse genetic as well as biochemical approaches to understand how plants regulate the metabolic flux through the MEP pathway and the cross-talk with downstream pathways for the production of isoprenoid end-products, with a main focus on carotenoids Carotenoids protect the photosynthetic apparatus against excess light.

Cell differentiation is an essential and necessary step for the development of complex structures in multicellular organisms. Despite its importance, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of cell differentiation. Recently, the characterization of the binary switch MINIYO/RIMA in Arabidopsis and its ortholog in animals RPAP1 brought light on how this fundamental decision is activated.

The main aim of my research is understanding molecular mechanisms of functional innovation and complexity. We are interested in the evolutionary trajectories to biological innovations, being driven by either genomic or regulatory changes. This knowledge is relevant to the understanding of species diversification and emergence of biological complexity, but also it provide cornerstones to biotechnological (compound production under different biotic and abiotic stresses) and biomedical issues (oxidative stress, longevity, ...).

The group of "Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics" from IBMCP performs two different types of scientific activities: 1- Development of bioinformatic tools focused in the genome analysis; 2- Study of the genome evolution from the point of view of domestication, adaptation and speciation of plant species.

Our research focuses on the demographic, reproductive and genetic processes that influence the diversity and adaptation of forest species in changing environments, especially in the Mediterranean. We develop studies on gene flow, local adaptation, plasticity and phenotypic integration and applications for the management and conservation of forest genetic resources as well as new statistical methods.

The group of Genomics Forest Tree Species studies the adaptive response of forest species to changing environments, as well as the genome of native conifers. It also develops molecular tools that allow the traceability of tree species that are traded for timber, guaranteeing their legality.

This group integrates researchers working in Ecophysiology, Dendroecology and Metabolomics.

Our research activity focuses on the study of the effects of forest management and global change on the production, dynamics, and structure of forest ecosystems, from forestry crops to mature forests, the development of new monitoring techniques for these ecosystems, as well as provide scientific support to the National Forest Inventory

We focus in assessing the effect of forest management on forest system dynamics, the development of forest models and different actions linked to mitigation and adaption of forests to global change.