The general objective of the group is to advance the knowledge of diseases caused by prions, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). For this, three lines of research are being developed: i) development of bioassays for the detection and diagnosis of these diseases; ii) study of the elements involved in the replication and pathogenesis of prions and iii) study of the different prion strains in livestock species and their transmission capacity to humans (zoonotic potential).

Our group is focused on the study of the porcine immune system in relation to the prevention and immunopathogenesis of infectious diseases

This group develops virus-host interaction analysis applied to emerging viruses of concern from their economic, sanitary, and environmental impact. Proteomics and transcriptomics are used to identify gaps and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies against epizootic and zoonotic viruses from a "One Health" perspective. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and immune response mechanisms.

Our research focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of key traits related to productivity and meat quality, with special emphasis on products from Iberian pigs. We also work on the development of improvement and traceability strategies for these animals and their products, using genetic and omics tools.

Our group develops and applies gene editing tools in livestock. The main research focus is on developmental biology aiming to improve fertility and to understand failures in embryo development in farm animals and humans. We have been pioneer in applying gene editing tools (CRISPR) in farm animals in Spain and we use this technique combined with diverse in viro approaches to generate genetically modified embryos and animals. These models are used to understand diverse reproductive processes and processes of embryo development such as the first lineage differentiation events and gastrulation.

Study, development and application of reproductive management techniques to increase production and sustainability, facilitating both in situ and ex situ conservation, through the establishment of germplasm banks, mainly of domestic breeds and wildlife species in danger of extinction or of a special interest

Group leaders: Jose Antonio Jarillo Quiroga - Research Professor INIA and Manuel Angel Piñeiro Galvín - Research Professor INIA During their life cycle plants undergo a number of developmental phases, including embryonic, vegetative and reproductive development. These developmental stages are characterised by specific patterns of cellular differentiation.