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 main interest of our group is to understand how cells coordinate cell growth and division with cell differentiation. To study this biological problem we use the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a unicellular organism widely used in cell cycle research.

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the energetic and redox homeostasis in the cells of the central nervous system. In particular, we are studying the proteins and signaling pathways responsible for the adaptation of the neuronal metabolism to the continuous and high energetic and antioxidant demand imposed by neurotransmission.

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.

1) Development of new chemical processes, more efficient than conventional ones and with reduced environmental impact. 2) Application of these methodologies to the synthesis of potential drugs or agrochemicals. 3) Synthesis of alkaloids 4) Synthesis of nucleoside analogues (azanucleosides, C-nucleosides, acyclic nucleosides) 5) Synthesis of non-proteinogenic amino acids and amino acid analogues. 6) Site-selective peptide modification 7) Development of antimicrobial and/or antitumoral peptides 8) Development of peptide catalysts 9) Development of activators of plant natural defenses against bio

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.

We are interested in the chemistry of small molecules obtained from macro- (algae and invertebrates) or microorganisms (bacteria, actinomycete and fungi) from marine and also in their potential industrial application. We have generated a large collection of isolates of microorganisms. Our purpose is to ferment these isolates, and to select them through bioactivity screenings.

Research within the fields of ecology and evolution within insular systems, with special reference to oceanic islands. Research is principally focussed within the islands of the macaronesian region, but research also extends to the Balearic Islands, Galápagos, Hawaii, Reunión y Seychelles, and insular continental systems.

Research on the Geophysical premonitory for early detection of volcanic unrest.:. Deformation using geodetic GPS and inclinometry. Microseismic activity short and medium term. Geogas Variations in underground environments. Thermal anomalies,. Registration, high-resolution, environmental changes Paleomagnetic laboratory, applied to the reconstruction of the volcanic history of the Canary archipelago Study lithospheric processes associated with volcanic unrest on oceanic islands .. Magnetic susceptibility applied to the study of the paleoenvironment of the Neanderthals in the Ib