The research activities of the group are fundamentally supported on the Theoretical and Experimental Study of Phase Equilibrium Diagrams, research area of basic interest in which the group is a pioneer in our country. The main activity is dedicated to increase the basic knowledge in the thermodynamics, synthesis, processing, properties and service performance of ceramic materials. The international relevance of the group is illustrated by its continuous involvement in the Framework Programs of the European Union which demands scientific and technological excellence from the participants.

Research to know how fibrosis develops with a specific emphasis on the role of microRNAs and their regulation by redox signals in: a) processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition b) signaling by TGF-b c) the transformation of fibroblasts In myofibroblasts.

Role of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Mesothelial cells in Peritoneal Fibrosis Induced by Dialysis and Surgical Injuries. In addition, We wll Study the Role of Mesothelial EMT in the Generation of Carcinoma Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) during Peritoneal Metastasis: We Propose EMT as a Disease Biomarker and as a Therapeutic Traget.

The Drosophila wing originates from an epithelial tissue (wing imaginal disc), which growth and differentiation depends on the activity of conserved signalling pathways and transcription factors. The main focus of our work is to characterise the contribution of signalling pathways to the regulation of imaginal wing disc development.

Our research focuses on cell-to-cell communication mechanisms and their role in development and diseases. We study how signaling molecules distribute within morphogenetic fields, and how structures called cytonemes facilitate this dispersal. In Drosophila, we found that cytonemes are essential for forming the Hedgehog (Hh) morphogen gradient, and vesicles transport Hh for secretion. We investigate the functional interaction of Hh signaling components on cytonemes, resembling synaptic contacts.

Mechanisms of infected cell recognition and in vivo control of viral infections by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and use in vaccine development.

Our research focuses on the role of TCFL5, a bHLH transcription factor, in colon cancer cells. Deletion of TCFL5 significantly reduces tumor properties. Two major isoforms, TCFL5_E1/E8 and TCFL5_E2b/E8, have distinct functions. TCFL5_E1/E8 regulates anti-apoptotic genes like BCL2, while TCFL5_E2b/E8 controls pluripotency markers. We identified genes regulated by these isoforms and their roles in leukemia and lymphopoiesis. TCFL5_E2b/E8 is associated with severity in lymphoma and myeloma. Tcfl5 deficiency impairs germinal center formation and B cell differentiation.

The laboratory works on designing and testing Parvoviruses as possible anticancer biological tools. The analyses are tackled from both molecular fundations, as well as at the organismal level taking Parvoviruses as pathogenic agents.

Molecular bases of RNA virus extinction by lethal mutagenesis and exploration of antiviral protocols using mutagenic agents and inhibitors.

The research focuses on exploring the multifaceted roles of the neuronal protein tau in addition to its microtubule association, investigating its presence in non-neuronal cells, discovering a new isoform named W-Tau, and studying its potential relevance in neuronal aging and Alzheimer's disease. The findings encompass tau's involvement in microglia activation, its preventive effects on aggregation, and its role in podocyte architecture. The research also delves into understanding tau's interactions with various cellular processes and its implications in neurodegenerative disorders.