Our research primarily focusses on the engineering of enzymes by directed evolution and hybrid/semi-rational design for a wide range of biotechnological purposes; the development of high-throughput biomolecular screening tools and genetic methods for library construction and exploration, as well as synthetic biology studies for environmental and energy applications. IP: Miguel Alcalde (maicalde@icp.csic.es). Website: www.miguelalcaldelab.eu

The general aim of our research is to determine the role of several protein phosphatases in the repair of a DNA lession, and their importance in the mantenance of genome stability.

The goal of our research is to better understand the molecular mechanisms of depression and of new fast-acting antidepressant treatments (deep brain stimulation [DBS], ketamine, subunit selective NMDA receptor antagonists). We use animal models of this disorder to identify the ways in which long-term exposure to stress changes the brain to lead to depression-like syndromes. In this regard, we also study in detail the role of the projections from the prefrontal cortex to the monoaminergic nuclei of the brainstem in the pathophysiology of depression and its pharmacological treatment.

Our research interests lie at the interface between Chemistry and Biology. We apply Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry to the understanding of ligand-receptor interactions and molecular recognition processes in innate immunity relevant for the design of drugs and biological probes.

Study of the dynamics and molecular basis of biological adaptation through controlled experiments carried out at the laboratory with viruses and bacteria.

Lipid-protein interaction in different processes where a membrane remodelling is taking place. In particular, we are now concentrating our studies on the autophagosome generation /elongation and further fusion with the lysosomes . Our methodological approach is multidisciplinary with a combination of biophysical, cellular biology and nanotechnological techniques.

The Laboratory of Seafloor and Subseafloor Geological Processes (LS3GP) carries out multidisciplinary research embracing all contemporary physical processes that occur at or beneath the seafloor, including the anthropic influence on these processes, and those that occurred in the geological past. The LS3GP has ample experience in 1) marine field data acquisition, 2) laboratory and numerical methods and 3) data interpretation. A strong emphasis is brought on offshore geohazards and marine sedimentology.

The group is specialized in the study of microorganisms and microbial populations inhabiting terrestrial environments analogous to potentially habitable extraterrestrial worlds. Specifically, it focuses on the study of their biodiversity, ecology and evolution. It also investigates the limits of life and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments. The experimental study is based both on the fieldwork -collection of samples and determination of environmental parameters-, as in laboratory work.

Stem cells can be found in many tissues where they are able to self-renew and differentiate into their progeny. Our lab is interested in identifying the role that TET3 plays on stem cell biology and whether a TET3 malfunction might lead to disease. To this end, we use the intestinal and testicular epithelia as models.