Marine Ecology and Resources

Marine Ecology and Resources


The main feature of this group is the multidisciplinary strategy to deal with ecological studies of marine organisms using complementary approaches. The studies conducted by this group are very broad, ranging from fishery-oceanographic surveys to experimentation in captivity, within a common framework: an ecosystem approach to marine resource assessment and management to ensure the conservation of biodiversity.

Main specialization

Immunology and Genomics

Immunology and Genomics


Study of the molecular basis of the immune response of cultured fish and shellfish against pathogens. Study of inflammation and viral infections in vertebrates using the zebrafish model.

Main specialization

Developmental Control

Developmental Control


Our work aims at understanding how gene networks and their architecture control cell specification and the patterning, size and shape of organs. To this aim we use genetics, genomics, quantitative imaging and advanced microscopy techniques, as well as mathematical modeling. The main model organism is Drosophila melanogaster. although we have more recently introduced new non-model dipteran and ephemeropteran species to study the control and evolution of organ size and shape. The main focus is on the visual system.

Main specialization

Nuclear Dynamics in Cell and Developmental Biology

Nuclear Dynamics in Cell and Developmental Biology


Role of nuclear pore proteins (nucleoporins) in nuclear envelope structure and function; chromatin organization; chromosome segregation; post-mitotic nuclear envelope formation; High-throughput RNAi screening.

Main specialization

Functional genomics to study development, evolution and human diseases

Functional genomics to study development, evolution and human diseases


In our group we are combining epigenomics, chromosome capture assays, transgenic enhancer experiments and mutagenic studies to determine how cis-regulatory elements and chromatin structure contribute to development and evolution, and how alteration in this non-coding part of the genome affects human health.

Main specialization

Cell integration of diverse genetic inputs during the morphogenesis of complex organs

Cell integration of diverse genetic inputs during the morphogenesis of complex organs


Our group studies how two-dimensional epithelial sheets of cells reorganize during development to make specific organs. To address this issue we are following two complementary lines of research: (1) Control of Hox induced morphogenesis and (2) Study of the Drosophila JAK/STAT signalling function during development.

Main specialization