The Genomic Biomarkers and Precision Oncology Group (GBPrO_IIBM) is interested in the identification and characterization of prognostic and predictive markers and in the definition of new susceptibility genes mainly, but not exclusively, in ovarian cancer. We have an eminently translational approach with the ultimate goal of improving patient survival and quality of life through the application of our findings in the medical setting.

Our group studies the replication of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), one of the most relevant pathogens in the animal health field.

The group investigates how small RNAs regulate gene expression, chromatin organization, and plant responses to the environment. We study the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their coupling to transcription, uncovering novel links between gene silencing and environmental adaptation. Our work has revealed unexpected roles for key proteins in this pathway, challenging established paradigms in RNA biology.

Despite advances in cancer research, chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) remain the conventional treatments for many tumors. It is estimated that up to 50% of cancer patients are treated with RT and cisplatin-based CT is administered to 10-20% of all cancer patients. This is the case of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) which arises from the epithelial cells of the oral cavity, pharynx or larynx, and whose survival rate, around 50%, has not improved in the last 30 years. Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment of choice for this type of tumor.

Spermatology in animal production and conservation (SAProC) and signalling mechanisms involved in sperm physiology and in the cross-talk and/or male-female interaction.

The research group was created with the incorporation of the PI in the ICVV in June 2024. It currently consists of one researcher and two doctoral students. Our group uses chemistry, behavioral, and physiological tools to analyze the relationships between insects and plants in order to design environmentally friendly insect control techniques.

Our overall aim is to understand the nanoscale physiology of the brain. Hereunder the role of the brain extracellular space (ECS) in signalling and metabolite clearance through modulation of diffusion, and the integrated regulation by multiple partners of synaptic signalling, beyond the mere pre- and post-synapse pair. To pursue these research lines we combine electrophysiology and fluorescence imaging in live brain slices, allowing us to read out structure and function. We are enabled by our expertise in super-resolution STED microscopy, and our implementation of this technique in our lab.