Macromolecule Crystallography Unit

Our interest is focused on the structural and functional characterization of signal transduction mechanisms, as well as other cellular processes. Using protein crystallography techniques as the main experimental tool, we structurally characterize different molecular mechanisms that we later confirm at the functional level by biochemical and biophysical techniques. The "two-component" signaling systems, the most widespread in microorganisms, are one of our main objectives, being pioneers in the determination of their molecular mechanism of action and specificity. We have recently revealed the signaling character of dUTPases, as well as new mechanisms of communication between microbial mobile genetic elements that are current research objectives of the group. As unit 739 of CIBERER, we address the structural characterization of proteins associated with rare diseases to understand their molecular basis.