To know the relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system, characterizing the connection between infectious diseases and their effects on neurodegenerative disorders, and on pathological aging processes. We are looking for endogenous mediators shared by both systems (neuropeptides) with a therapeutic profile in these disorders and/or that are relevant in the development and evolution of neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disorders (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral stroke).

(a) Signaling by TCR, BCR, and membrane receptors; by co-receptors CD38 and CD19; and by "Toll-like receptors “TLR2 and TLR4. Study the role of kinases, ERK-1 and 2; AKT1; Lck; Lyn; in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); and Psoriasis. (b) Study the alterations in pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine involved in the regulation of the differentiation of helper T cell (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg) in plasma and gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with SLE and Psoriasis.

The functional coupling of transcription and alternative splicing is emerging as an essential component of gene expression regulation. Despite considerable efforts, numerous questions remain regarding the functional significance and global impact of this coupling on cellular and organism homeostasis as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. Our work considers that coupling mechanisms enable the establishment of check-points or quality controls that would promote each step of pre-mRNA synthesis and processing while ensuring the accomplishment of the essential preceding stages.

The group's research investigates specific molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression in trypanosomes. Identification of unique molecular mechanisms, as they provide selective processes as new therapeutic targets while promoting our understanding eukaryotes gene expression. We provided evidences supporting a model based on nuclear architecture for VSG-ES epigenetic regulation. Recruitment-dependent activation of a single VSG-ES by the unique nuclear body ESB, allows monoallelic expression, while transcriptional switching occurs by VSG-ES/ESB interaction exchange.

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.

Study of climate variability and relationships between global change and geomorphological and hydrological processes at different spatial scales: from slopes to large basins.

The research group on Fish Physiology and Sustainable Aquaculture is working in this activity since mid-seventies. Its research activity focuses on the study of basic and applied physiological aspects of fish culture, from reproduction process and throughout larval development up to the juvenil stage of both consolidated fish species and new species with high potential for aquaculture. This research is being done with a multidisciplinary perspective using biochemical, histological, bioenergetics, cellular and molecular techniques, and including genomic approaches.

This research group is devoted to the study of plant-associated microorganisms, focusing mainly on the diversity, taxonomy and functional role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and endophytic fungi.

Research on the effects of environmental stress on the photoprotection of the photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic assimilation

The Processing and Mechanical Properties research group, called PROMECO, develops its research work on issues related to mechanical properties (creep, superplasticity and deformation mechanisms), processing, forming and manufacturing (forging, rolling, extrusion, friction stir, additive manufacturing , torsion, and modelling), and microstructural characterization (optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, texture and microtexture) of advanced high value added metallic materials.