Metabolism and cell signaling

The research of the group has focused from its beginning on the metabolism of sulfur in plants. Our main focus is the study of cysteine ​​biosynthesis and metabolism and recently signaling by molecules related to cysteine. We have been pioneers in establishing a change of concept, so that these molecules are involved in the signaling pathways that regulate essential processes in the plant, such as the responses to both abiotic and biotic adverse conditions, autophagy and the root hair development. Current research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms of action of the sulfide and cyanide molecules in the regulation of these processes. We have identified posttranslational modifications of cysteine ​​residues in proteins, persulfidation when generated by sulfur, and S-cyanylation in the case of cyanide, first demonstrated in plants for sulfur and in any biological system for cyanide.