Molecular strategies and metabolic functions required for the adaptation of bacteria to extreme conditions, using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches. Special interest in the rizosphere of plants from extreme environments. Multicellularity and social behaviour in Bacillus subtilis. Study of genetic material transfer in bacterial populations by extracellular DNA.

Multidisciplinary group with biologists, chemists, engineers, technicians and students of different levels (training, Ph.D., degree) whose goal is to understand the metabolic potential and the preservation of molecular biomarkers (in space and time) in terrestrial environments analog to those found in other planetary bodies.

The group of Planetary Geology and Atmospheres is devoted to the study of planetary objects in the Universe that have solid surfaces, including Earth. Specifically, we investigate the origin, composition, structure and processes and agents by which planets, satellites, comets, asteroids and meteorites evolve since its formation. These issues are key in determining the habitability of planetary environments.

To maintain genome integrity, DNA must be protected from damage occurring during replication or induced by environmental agents. Different cellular mechanisms such us DNA repair, DNA recombination and DNA damage-checkpoints contribute to preserve DNA integrity and cell survival under conditions that produce DNA alterations. We are mainly interested in the DNA-damage checkpoint, and more specifically in the intra S-phase Checkpoint, which is essential to preserve cell viability after replication in the presence of DNA damage.

Our research interest is transcription regulation in eukaryotes, using as model organism the budding yeast Saccharomyes cerevisiae. Currently, we can define three sublines : 1.-Transcription regulation by RNAPII and its coordination with other nuclear processes, through the study of several transcription factors, such as Sub1 and Spt4/5, and some of the RNAPII subunits, for instances, Rpb4 and Rpb7. 2.-Transcription termination and gene looping.

We carry out basic research using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model organism. Using molecular genetics, we currently explore the structure/function relationships and the primary functions of some eukaryotic ribosomal proteins, in ribosome biogenesis, translation and the translational regulation of GCN4 and the general control of amino acid biosynthesis. We currently develop two oriented research projects, both financed by the MINECO with private companies (Grup LASEM, AGRASYS) and by private companies that use yeast for several biotechnological applications (bakery and biofuels).

How growth and cell cycle progression are coordinately regulated during development in eukaryotic organisms is an active area of research. However, little knowledge has been provided to understand how these processes are related to the induction of the virulence program in pathogenic fungi and to define the role of cell cycle and morphogenetic regulators as true virulence factors. The main idea we are trying to address is to assume that cell cycle and morphogenetic regulators could have in pathogenic fungi new roles dedicated to adapt the cell cycle and morphogenesis to the virulence program.

The main interest of our group is to understand how cells coordinate cell growth and division with cell differentiation. To study this biological problem we use two model organisms, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a unicellular organism widely used in cell cycle research, and the mouse, where we analyse the physio-pathological consequences of knocking down cell cycle regulator genes in animal cells.

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the energetic and redox homeostasis in the cells of the central nervous system. In particular, we are studying the proteins and signaling pathways responsible for the adaptation of the neuronal metabolism to the continuous and high energetic and antioxidant demand imposed by neurotransmission.