The Force Probe Microscopy & Surface Nanoengineering Group is devoted to the investigation and exploitation of interfacial phenomena arising from the nanostructuration of surfaces and from the interaction of surfaces with molecules. The main focus areas are (i) force probe microscopy & spectroscopy, (ii) interfacial water (structured & confined water, wetting), (iii) engineered surfaces (functionalization, graphene, polymers, etc.) and (iv) electronic properties of surfaces.

Our research is focused on two of the main neurodegenerative pathologies, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In AD, we studied the role of microglia in the development of the disease, with a special interest in the HIF-PHD3 signaling pathway. In the EP, we studied the reciprocal trophic relationships that maintain postnatally the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and the striatal interneurons. We use biochemical, genetic, bioinformatic, histological and behavioral approaches in genetically modified animals. In parallel, Dr.

The research activities of the Group focus on elucidating the structural-functional relationship of virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. Currently, we investigate the mechanism of action of bacterial effectors delivered by the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS). Nearly a quarter of sequenced Gram-negative bacteria code for the T6SS, which bacteria employ to inject virulence factors into target cells. The T6SS assembles inside the bacteria.

Our laboratory investigates the molecular underpinnings of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, with a particular interest in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We hypothesize that genetics, epigenetics, and the interaction of both – “neuro-epi-genetics” –, have long-lasting effects on brain function. To tackle this hypothesis, we use mouse models and human samples, and combine molecular and behavioral neuroscience with state-of-the-art single-cell, next generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatic tools and epi-genetic editing.

HYMAT is a multidisciplinar group formed by chemists and physicists from INMA, with a wide expertise in the synthesis and physics of magnetic materials, and in the nanostructuration of diverse types of materials (carbon-based materials, perovskites, MOFs, magnetic nanoparticles, polymer-nanoparticle hybrid materials). Its activity involves the elaboration of hybrid materials and/or devices, in the frame of the three following research lines: A) Molecular magnetic materials for ICT applications B) Magnetic hyperthermia C) Energy

The aging of the population poses a growing burden in society. This is associated with an increase in disability and diseases that have a high impact on health care, on patients and their families. Also, aging is associated with the emergence of different neurodegenerative diseases among which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, the development of advanced biological markers, new drugs and appropriate technology is the key to establishing a treatment for these diseases, which is currently an important social challenge.

Plants are sessile organisms with an extraordinary phenotypic plasticity. Responses of plants to stimuli take place in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Plants thrive in these constantly changing conditions due to their ability to integrate all these external cues with their internal growth-and-development programs. Therefore, understanding how this integration process works is critical for coping with the consequences of global environmental changes facing our planet, as well as with the growing agricultural demand for food, raw materials, and energy.

Cell differentiation is an essential and necessary step for the development of complex structures in multicellular organisms. Despite its importance, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of cell differentiation. Recently, the characterization of the binary switch MINIYO/RIMA in Arabidopsis and its ortholog in animals RPAP1 brought light on how this fundamental decision is activated.