We are interested in understanding the function of regulatory elements necessary to identify gene expression domains in mammalian genomes and that help to specify gene expression patterns in space and time.

The main objectives of our laboratory are geared to understand the molecular basis in the pathogenesis of infectious agents and their interaction with the host, as well as to use this knowledge in the development of vaccines that might be effective against viral and parasitic diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, malaria, leishmaniasis and cancer. As a model system of infectious agent and as a delivery vector for expression of genes of interest, we used vaccinia virus (VV) a member of the poxvirus family.

Our group was established with the aim of studying different aspects of the Biology of toroviruses. These are emergent viruses that cause diarrhea in different animal species and in humans, and nonetheless, remain practically ignored. Specifically, epidemiological studies on the presence of torovirus in Spain had not been performed up to the start of our study. One of the topics that we are especially interested in is the interaction of the virus with the host, which has led us to participate in several collaborations to study this aspect in other viral systems.

The aim of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that direct embryonic development in vertebrates. We use mouse and chicken embryos as models for the study of the role of new genes on organogenesis and their possible function on tissue homeostasis, pathology and regeneration in the adult. Our focus is on limb development, analysing digit morphogenesis and heart development, studying the role of Arid3b in cellular motility and cardiogenesis.

Our group is involved in the identification of relevant genes in root architecture and in arsenic tolerance to develop biotechnological tools for arsenic phytoremediation and nutrient uptake.

Study at the molecular level of stress response of wine yeast during their industrial use, and its role in the fermentative efficiency. The group is mainly devoted to understand the response to oxidative stress and its relation ship to yeast life span.

Plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) produced by filamentous fungi have many industrial applications. Using Aspergillus nidulans as a genetic model system, our group conducts basic research on gene function and regulation as well as the characterization of unconventional protein secretion and sugar uptake/utilization to generate knowledge that could be used for the optimization of the production and secretion of PCWDEs. To this end we are using transcriptomics to elucidate components and regulatory mechanisms involved in the deconstruction and utilization of pectin.

The research group of non-conventional yeasts started in 2010 with the participation of Dr. Paloma Manzanares and Dr. Carmela Belloch. Currently, the IP is Dr. Carmela Belloch. Our research focuses on biotechnological and genetic characterization of food-relevant non-Saccharomyces yeasts. Yeast ecology and evolution along food production processes is a strong theme or research in our group as well as the study of genes and enzymes involved in aroma production for selection of yeasts as starter cultures.

The aim of the group's scientific activity is the development of rapid antibody-based analytical methods for the determination of chemical residues (pesticides, plant growth regulatores, additives, antibiotics), toxins and organic contaminants in food and environmental samples. In close colaboration with the group "Synthesis of molecules for biotechnological aplications" of the Organic Chemistry Department of the Universitat de València (http://www.haptens-antibodies.com) we aim at contributing to guarantee food quality and safety by the generation of antibodies of high affinity and specificit