Biomembranes and Plant Oils

The Group studies the biosynthesis of lipids and fatty acids in plants and seeds, and their role in acclimation responses (temperature) or in certain environmental stresses. Some fatty acids, such as linolenic acid (18:3), are precursors of jasmonic synthesis and, therefore, participate in the responses of the plant against pathogen attack. We study the role of omega-3 desaturases in this regulation and the interaction of the biosynthesis of poliunsaturated fatty acids with other stress signaling pathways in the plant, through the identification of specific transcription factors. Recently, we have initiated the study of the biosynthesis of oil and fatty acids in the Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) seeds. This species accumulates a large amount of oil enriched in long-chain fatty acids with great potential for obtaining high-energy biofuel with exceptional properties at low temperatures.