The group began in the year 2001. The research has been directed in three directions simultaneously addressed: 1.- research aimed at the generation of knowledge of specific biological processes that take place in infectious agents with biomedical interest.50% 2.- applied research with translational profile in the field of biomedicine.40% 3.- exploration of novel aspects which may be applied directly to biomedicine, which may open new areas of study.10%. A highly qualified staff with experience in the topics to be addressed forms the group.

Since it was created in 1995 the group has always been focused on the biological activity of RNA. The addressed objectives have led us to nowadays focusing in the functional characterization of genomic RNA motifs and the characterization of the RNA as tool and therapeutic target. Knowledge of the existence of information encoded in the RNA that does not lead to protein products and its functional implications, has been a major revolution in understanding the biology of the cell and many infectious agents such as RNA viruses.

Towards understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson¿s disease

Research in our group focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression in protozoa parasites of the family Trypanosomatidae. These protozoa are responsible for tropical diseases that affect millions of people in developing countries. In addition, trypanosomes are among the most divergent eukaryotes, so they provide a interesting reference point to identify novel and valuable fundamental biological processes. Among the most interesting biological phenomena described initially in Trypanosoma brucei is the antigenic variation of surface proteins.

Since 1991 the group is a consolidated team interested in the discovery of unique aspects of the metabolism of parasitic protozoa with the aim of exploiting the resulting information in the design of novel therapeutic strategies. We have participated in several multidisciplinary consortia specifically devoted to the discovery of drugs for the treatment of tropical diseases. The IP has coordinated several EU funded projects and has collaborations with pharma industry and clinical groups.

Identification and characterization of RNA-binding proteins and their associated RNAs that control gene expression

The Electron Microscopy Division focuses on the use of electron microscopy techniques for nanoscience and nanotechnology research and applications. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology, with an ever decreasing size of materials and structures, brings the need for advanced characterisation with high spatial resolution to obtain a deep understanding of the structure-property-function relationships.

The Science, Technology and Society Group (STS) has long experience in historical, social and cultural studies of science and technology, their social implications and their explicit and implicit values. The main issues addressed in this research group are: the history and epistemologies of science and technology; studies of science, technology and gender and disability studies; and the social dynamics of knowledge production. The STS research group of the Instituto de Filosofía is fully focused in studies of science, technology and medicine.