The MicroTec group focuses its research objectives on improving the quality and safety of fishery and aquaculture products within the framework of blue transformation, which is necessary to transform aquatic systems, guaranteeing their sustainability and avoiding food insecurity due to the effects of climate and resource depletion.

Our general objective is to study the role of exocytosis and endocytosis in the regulation of morphogenesis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In particular, we are interested in knowing the implication of different vesicle coats and adaptors in this regulation. In addition, mutants lacking some adaptors are sensitive to ionic stress, but not to osmotic or oxidative stress. We are interested in studying the mechanisms involved in this sensitivity. Our initial studies suggest that the exome acts as (or collaborates with) a hub for the coordination of several stress response pathways.

The research group works under the supervision of Dr. Francisco Antequera Márquez (Research Professor of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The group is also integrated by Dr. Rodrigo Santamaría Vicente (Tenured Lecturer of Departamento de Informática y Automática, Universidad de Salamanca), Dr. Mar Sánchez García (staff specialized technician, CSIC), two postdoctoral researchers (Alicia García Martínez and Laura Durán Prieto) and a postgraduate PhD student (Loreto García Mejido).

Our research interest is transcription regulation in eukaryotes, using as model organism the budding yeast Saccharomyes cerevisiae. Currently, we can define three sublines : 1.-Transcription regulation by RNAPII and its coordination with other nuclear processes, through the study of several transcription factors, such as Sub1 and Spt4/5, and some of the RNAPII subunits, for instances, Rpb4 and Rpb7. 2.-Transcription termination and gene looping.

We carry out basic research using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model organism. Using molecular genetics, we currently explore the structure/function relationships and the primary functions of some eukaryotic ribosomal proteins, in ribosome biogenesis, translation and the translational regulation of GCN4 and the general control of amino acid biosynthesis. We currently develop two oriented research projects, both financed by the MINECO with private companies (Grup LASEM, AGRASYS) and by private companies that use yeast for several biotechnological applications (bakery and biofuels).

The structure, design and molecular function group embraces a number of researchers sharing a wide research aim, which covers some of the most current topics of organic chemistry. Our research interests range from the small molecule chemistry to the design of functional molecular o macromolecular systems. In the field of molecular chemistry, our aim is doubled: to build new compounds in a simple and sustainable manner and the rational handling of high added value molecules with applications in differing science areas.

Radical chemistry is particularly advantageous for carrying out structural modifications on biomolecules as the reaction conditions are compatible with a numerous functional groups and solvents. Our research is centered in the applications of free radicals to the development of new synthetic methodologies to prepare chiral synthons and compounds with potential biological interest. We have introduced the use of new oxidising systems based on hypervalent iodine reagents for the generation of O- and N-centered radicals.

Our group focuses on the biotechnology of Immune Defense Strategies, such as the production of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and IgY antibodies in vertebrates. We use bioinformatics tools to identify AMPs in genomes and transcriptomes of different species. Our goal is to develop innovative and sustainable biotechnological solutions to address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and to promote environmentally friendly approaches to pathogen control in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and human health.

Identification, selection and characterization of technologically relevant microorganisms, particularly those belonging to the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group to be used as starters in dairy fermentations. Identification and selection of LAB from the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for use as probiotics in dairy products. Uncover the composition, diversity and dynamics of microbial populations in cheese and GIT ecosystems.