Our interest is focused on the molecular mechanisms and intercellular processes involved in bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell of the Nervous System (NS). The fully understanding of the features that rule this neuron-astrocyte signaling, and the implications it may have on different aspects of the physiology and pathology of the NS are the basis of our scientific goals. Our general line of research investigate the role of astrocytes in different aspects of the pathophysiology of the Nervous System.

Our group takes inspiration from the field of Evo-Devo. We approach basic evolutionary questions taking into account the embryological (developmental) data. In addition our group goes one step forward because we have included functional genomics with a wide comparative perspective. Our group uses a great variety of model and non-model organisms (see below).

The ABE programme clearly fits the scope of the area VIDA and we study animal biodiversity from a phylogenetic perspective, aiming at an increased knowledge of the Tree of Life. Our scientific interests cover from the origin and distribution of biodiversity (from morphological, genetic, ecological and functional standpoints), the systematics of selected groups, diversification and speciation, hybridisation, biogeography and evolutionary ecology, to phylogenetic methods.

Cellular and molecular mechanismos underlying early neurogenesis and brain maturation.

The main objective of our laboratory (Synaptic Neuromodulation Lab) is to elucidate the molecular underpinnings underlying neuronal circuit adaptation through plasticity and neuromodulatory mechanisms, and to understand how these processes are altered during natural and pathological aging.

The group "FOOD LIPID BIOMARKERS AND HEALTH" begins its activity on January 1st, 2017, and arises from the need to initiate a new approach in the research of food lipids and its relationship with human health. Previously, all its members were part of the Lipids group. Our main objective is the development of functional foods with added value (mainly dairy products), by improving the characteristics of their lipid fraction, to cover the basic nutritional needs and the demands of consumers for healthier and safer foods.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) represents an important human pathogen causing both acute and chronic hepatitis. It is estimated that over 240 million people are chronically infected and more than 780,000 people die every year due to complications of HBV, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our laboratory is focused on studying basic aspects of the HBV infection. In particular we are interested in the identification and characterization of cellular factors that regulate the HBV infection, its persistence and its pathogenesis.

To identify evolutionary processes related to the origin of Biodiversity, focussed on processes of species formation, hybridization and evolutionary radiations, through diverse geographic scales, in taxononomically complex Arthropds. The formation of cryptic species is a widespread phenomenon in nature, which has a real incidence on animal biodiversity estimates. It has been proposed that the formation of cryptic species is directly related with the existence of divergent phylogeographic (mitochondrial) lineages, and dependent on the time elapsed since the lineages diverged.

The research group has worked during 14 years on natural products synthesis with biomedical application. The main objective of the group is the preparation by chemical synthesis of bioactive compounds based on natural products and study their biomedical application.