Using Drosophila, our research focuses on the Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway's roles in regeneration and tumorigenesis. JNK induces apoptosis in damaged cells and promotes proliferation via paracrine signaling, impacting the JAK/STAT, Wingless, and Decapentaplegic pathways. We've identified JNK's significance in tumorigenesis, studying its effects in mutations like scribble, erupted, and polyhomeotic. Moreover, we've revealed how overgrowing tumor cells can restrict normal tissue growth.

Microbial diversity is a rich source of genetic information with industrial potential, including biosynthetic gene clusters and novel enzyme catalysts. The synergy between biology-based and nanotechnology-based experimental tools is crucial for faster and more efficient gene discovery, particularly benefiting academic labs for screening campaigns. In the HT Discovery lab, we focus on methods to discover and engineer industrially relevant enzymes and biosynthetic gene clusters, utilizing biological selections and microfluidic screening.

The Transformation and Metastasis group at IBBTEC investigates the signaling pathways involved in abnormalities during cancer and metastasis. The ultimate goal of these studies is to identify new modulators that can represent new therapeutic targets to stop metastasis and that can be directly translated into effective prevention or treatment strategies.

We investigate the mechanisms that control the spatio-temporal expression of genes operating in brain cortex development by using human brain organoids (self-organized 3D cultures derived from pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate brain structure development and inner organization) as a model system.

Our research focuses on cell replacement therapy as a treatment for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. We aim to understand how stem cells and replacement therapies can restore cellular functions and treat diseases. We explore the basic biology of stem cells and their potential to mature into functional neurons. Additionally, we're developing technologies for externally controllable bioimplants of therapeutic cells. Our goal is to enhance the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through basic research and cell therapy.

Our laboratory is investigating the regulatory functions and mechanisms of cell signaling pathways through G proteins, particularly focusing on Gq protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We aim to understand how these pathways are involved in both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions. Our recent research has unveiled a new interaction region in Gαq, a subunit of G proteins, which plays a role in non-canonical Gq signaling and cell homeostasis.

The Epigenetics & Cellular Senescence lab is interested in understanding the basic mechanisms regulating cellular senescence and its influence on the microenvironment