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We use cryo-electron microscopy, combined with other structural and molecular biology approaches, to characterise macromolecular assemblies and viruses that are a current public health risk, like influenza, herpesviruses and bunyaviruses and their interactions with the host cell.

The research group led by Associate Professor Dr. Ana V. Villar studies the molecular mechanisms related to the role of the chaperone Hsp90 and the cytokine TGFβ in their connection to cardiac fibrosis phenomena.

Our research group focuses on comparative genomics and population genomics of microorganisms to better understand their diversity, evolution and functional potential. By studying microbial populations in different environments, we aim to increase insight of the genetic basis of microbial adaptability, resistance and specialization. In addition, comparative genomic approaches allow us to identify key genetic traits that drive these processes, providing valuable insights into microbial ecology and evolution.

The focus of our research in the last years has been on the molecular motors involved in pilus biogenesis and substrate transport in bacterial Type IV Secretion Systems. These motors use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to perform their functions. The final goal of our studies is to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in this process

Our research group takes advantage of the use of molecular and cellular technologies as well as next-generation and single-cell sequencing technologies, to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development in cellular and animal models as well as human samples. Particularly, we are specially interested on the role of gene expression regulation through SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, in the metastatic potential and in treatment resistance.