Our research focuses on understanding the role of cell mechanics in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this context, cell mechanics refers to the biophysical properties of solid tumor matter. We are particularly interested in the effect of the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment in the ability of tumor cells to proliferate and migrate to distal places (metastasis) as well as their ability to evade the anti-tumor immune response.

The SANUDE Group comprises 5 staff scientists and 3-4 postdocs and PhD students. Our research focus is the understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular responses to environmental stresses, both biotic and abiotic, with basic and applied interest. In particular we are interested in (1) the response to salinity stress, the homeostatic regulation of sodium contents in Arabidopsis and rice, (2) mineral nutrition of plants, specially potassium and nitrate, and (3) early signaling events in the response to bacterial pathogens and plant immunity establishment in Solanaceae.

We are particularly interested in the molecular and cellular basis of diverse cognitive conditions. Specifically, our goal is to identify molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes, cognitive malfunction and cognitive enhancement. The elucidation of these mechanisms facilitates the nomination of new therapeutic targets to a variety of cognitive disorders.

The group is in the Life area and partially in the intersection Life-Social Science (lines: LS1_1, LS8_2, LS9_1, LS9_4, LS9_5, LS9_6, SH2_6). - The revalorization of vegetable by-products by the characterization and isolation of their high value components using simple and economically viable processes that not require chemical treatments - The use of phytochemical profiles as new criteria for the differentiation and selection of plant-food varieties based on their overall quality - The investigation of the biological activities of phytochemicals for the development of new products in the food

The research group was created in February 2018. At present, it is formed by a staff scientist, a post-doctoral researcher and by one predoctoral contractor. The rest of the staff is hired for work and services in charge of collaborative projects with companies in the sector and a national project. Currently VIENAP group is focused on the study of viticultural and oenological techniques that improve the quality of grapes and wine.

The activity of the Laser Processing Group (LPG) focuses on the study of both fundamental and applied aspects of laser-matter interaction aiming at discovering, understanding and controlling laser-matter interaction phenomena down to the nanometer (spatial) and femtosecond (temporal) scales. As a result we perform internationally relevant research in the fields of photonics, nanotechnology and ultrafast science.

Our interest is focused on the molecular mechanisms and intercellular processes involved in bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell of the Nervous System (NS). The fully understanding of the features that rule this neuron-astrocyte signaling, and the implications it may have on different aspects of the physiology and pathology of the NS are the basis of our scientific goals. Our general line of research investigate the role of astrocytes in different aspects of the pathophysiology of the Nervous System.

We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms by which lipids regulate membrane protein activities and function and the impact of such lipid/protein assemblies in a subset of human diseases (cancer, neurodegenerative) and to map membrane protein-lipid interactome networks in the cell. The long-term objective is to obtain the cell blueprint that will help to understand and overcome biological processes and their consequences in human diseases.

Our research is focused in understanding protein translocation through membrane pores and on the biotechnological applications of such processes.

We are devoted to the study of quantum phenomena on solid surfaces, mainly giving support to experiments performed with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) on atoms, molecules and nanostructures on solid surfaces. The STM is an extraordinary tool that images and manipulates single atoms. Then, we test theories and simulations procedures, trying to be quantitative. To this end, we use density functional theory (DFT) calculations. However, dynamical phenomena, as well as quantum phenomena going beyond a mean-field description is missing from DFT. We develop our own tools.