Marine Biomolecules: Synthesis, Function and Exchange in Marine Systems The goal of the Marine Biomolecules group (BioMol) is to establish the role of different organic molecules (e.g., vitamins, pigments, etc.) in sustaining microbial communities and their impact on the natural biorhythmic fluctuations of the major biogeochemical cycles in marine systems.

The Sustainable Agro-Food Materials Group makes research about circular bioeconomy, transforming agricultural waste and food by-products into advanced materials for agriculture and food packaging with the aim of replacing petroleum-derived plastics.

We investigate molecular events of the interaction of bacterial pathogens (Pseudomonas and Salmonella) with the plant (Arabidopsis, tomato, bean), from both sides: how the plant deploys defenses against invasion, and how the pathogen evades these defenses. We apply interdisciplinary experimental approaches in national and international collaboration. Three main research lines are addressed: (1) Genetic and epigenetic regulation of the expression of genes associated with virulence, generating phenotypic heterogeneity that allows the establishment of bacterial subpopulations during infection.

Protein synthesis, also known as translation, is a fundamental process for life and an integral component of the Central Dogma of Molecular biology. It is also the most energetically demanding biosynthetic process in the cell. Consequently, the precision and synchronization of translation with both internal and external cues are imperative for cellular function. However, despite its significance, our understanding of how specific mRNA molecules are selectively translated and regulated remains limited.

Microorganisms emit compounds that enhance photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, and confer resistance to abiotic stresses and pathogens, thereby boosting plant growth and yield. Many of these compounds are volatiles.

Our research group focuses on the study of interactions between plants, herbivores and natural enemies in agriculture, with the aim of developing sustainable and effective strategies for pest control. Our research encompasses community and evolutionary ecology in the management of agroecosystems exposed hostile environments. We study plant resistance mechanisms against pests as well as strategies by pests to cope with defenses, including suppression of plant defenses.

Our research interest relies on the integration of separate biological information (ecophysiology, variations, gene expression, metagenomics, phenology, analytical…) by means of bioinformatic approaches to relate genes, microbiota, phenotypes and stress responses. We envisage the use machine learning, data mining and systems biology to infer the co-adaptation of crops (such as citrus, olive or even tomato) as well as their microbioma to the climate change and other abiotic stresses. This also includes the study of photosynthetic model organisms such as microalgae.