The increased complexity of organisms in evolution requires new layers of regulatory mechanisms. We have identified a human chromatin kinase, VRK1 that plays a complex regulatory role in human biology, and have become the reference group. VRK1 forms complexes with transcription factors such as p53, Sox2, CREB or ATF2 regulating gene transcription, and is critical for entry in cell cycle and proliferation. In cancer, VRK1 is a driver gene associated with poorer prognosis. VRK1 regulates histones chromatin remodeling and its associated epigenetic marks.

Our research is focused in the understanding of the role of several receptor tyrosine kinases and their signal transduction routes in cell proliferation. Interest in the activation of RTKs by membrane anchored ligands has been a major focus of our laboratory with special emphasis on the study of the mechanisms responsible for the solubilization of membrane-anchored growth factors, and the biological properties of these factors in the membrane-anchored conformation. In addition, the role of novel RTK signalling intermediates is being analyzed.

Synthesis and characterization of structured functional materials developed from well-defined polymers obtained by conventional polymerization / controlled and/or physical/chemical modification. Preparation of multifunctional biobased and/or biodegradable systems. Polymeric materials with antimicrobial activity.

My research is focused on attaining a better understanding of the initiation, maintenance, and progression of leukemia, toward improving current treatment and/or prevention strategies. In this effort, I employ tools from functional genomics, computational biology, molecular genetics, and mouse models. This work has allowed to establish both a pioneer relationship between stem cells and cancer and a causal link between infection and leukemia.

Activity: Design of a genetic strategy to identify important genes in tumor susceptibility and progression modifier genes. Description: This strategy permitted us to identify a number of P53-dependent and independent genetic alterations; together with the role of Fbsw7/Cdc4, Pten, Aurora-A, Atm, P63 and P73 in radioinduced lymphoma

Our group aims at understanding the structural basis of molecular mechanisms that underline cell adhesion and cell signaling processes, whose misregulation is linked to diseases including cancer and skin disorders. We are especially interested in determining the mechanisms of molecular recognition between proteins. Active areas of investigation include the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors, the plakin family of cytoskeletal-linkers, and their role in adhesion complexes such as hemidesmosomes.

Activities related to the observation, study, and modeling of the various phases and processes associated with the formation and evolution of stars, brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets. Characterization of the physical properties of these objects.

The Virtual Observatory (VO) group at CAB (http://sdc.cab.inta-csic.es) has a long experience in the development and operation of astronomical archives.

Prebiotic Evolution is the first step in the emergence of life; it encompasses all the natural physico-chemical processes that occur within a given planetary environment starting from its formation, up until the emergence of the first self-replicating systems on which the Darwinian Process can begin to operate.