Our research group is devoted to the research on calcium signalling, mitochondria and calcium channel remodelling in cell proliferation and cell death as well as its their contribution to proliferative and neurodegenerative diseases as cancer, restenosis and Alzheimers disease. On the other hand, we investigate the use of calcium channels as novel targets for the treatment of the above mentioned diseases. Particularly we study the role of calcium channels in the chemopreventive and neuroprotection mechanisms of aspirin and other NSAIDs against cancer and Alzheimer¿s disease.

Diabetes and obesity (metabolic diseases) are two major epidemics of the 21st century that constitute a major public health concern worldwide. The study of their pathophysiology can contribute to generate the novel knowledge for searching new treatments and therapies to counteract the impact of these chronic non-communicable diseases in patients.

Our research encompasses the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of tissue injury by immune-mediated mechanisms and the characterization of the main chemical mediators recruited upon engagement of receptors for both pathogen-associated molecular patterns and receptors for the Fc portion of IgG class antibodies. The cooperation between these receptors helps explain the current models of function of the immune system, where poorly soluble ligands and particulate stimuli are the driving force of the acute inflammatory reaction and the initiation of the adaptive immune response.

Numerous signal transduction processes involve lipids as signaling molecules. Many of these molecules are generated by phospholipases, enzymes which cleave ester bonds within membrane phospholipids. Cells contain multiple phospholipase forms. Our goal is to understand the cellular regulation of these phospholipases under pro- and anti-inflammatory conditions. In our laboratory we combine a range of chemical, biochemical, pharmacological, and molecular cell biology techniques to study lipid metabolism and signaling in physiology and pathophysiology.

Our group is focused on the study of the mechanisms by which proinflammatory stimuli regulate gene expression and modulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of different cell types. We are especially interested in the molecular and biological actions of the secreted phospholipase A2, an enzyme involved in inflammatory and degenerative diseases.

Our main research goal is to study lipid-modifiying enzymes in the immune system. Lipins are phosphatidic acid fosfatases that generate diacylglycerol, a signalling lipid that is involved in signal transduction during cellular immune activation. Althought mutations in human lpin genes promote inflammation-related disseases, very little is known about the role of lipin in inmune cells or the development of inflammatory processes. Our main goal is to answer these questions.

The group is focused on studying the role of innate receptors in inflammatory diseases; particularly on Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These are sensors of molecular patterns from pathogens as well as endogenous molecules released after tissue damage with an important role in both the immune responses and inflammatory diseases. Using basic and translational approaches, the group investigates TLR-mediated signaling and its modulation by cytokines such as interferons and lipid mediators in the context of cardiovascular disease, i.e.

Development of new components (electrodes and electrolytes) for energy conversion and storage electrochemical devices: electrochemical capacitors, rechargeable batteries and proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The core research activity of our Group centers on the molecular and multifunctional design of new nanostructured polymer materials and nanohybrids with prop./applic.

Heterogeneous materials based on organic polymers: Polymer Blends; Composites; Interfacial Agents coming from the chemical modification of polymers; Solid Waste treatments and Polymer Recycling.