Main research lines and projects

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Microbiology and Benefcial microorganisms
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Biomolecules and resistance inducers
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Plant pathogen interactions
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Nitrogen Metabolism

Microbiology and Benefcial microorganisms

In order to find new methods to improve plant resistance against adverse conditions, the study of the plant phytobiome is one of the most promising fields. It is well known that beneficial microorganisms are able to induce plant growth as well as plant resistance against several biotic and abiotic stresses. Our goal is to find new fungal endophytes compatible with commercial crops that could improve plant performance in the field. This identification includes the study of microbiomes and isolation of soil and endophytic microorganisms. Moreover we also intend to characterize the mechanisms of resistance induced by the microorganisms.

On the other hand, there is a growing interest for new biocidal molecules. In our research group we are able to test and determine the effect of antimicrobial compounds against both plant and human pathogens.

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Biomolecules and resistance inducers

The main goal of this line of research is to design compounds with antimicrobial activity and defense inducers in plants against stress. To achieve this objective we study the mode of action of natural or chemical compounds that are able to induce resistance in plants against biotic or abiotic stresses. We take advantage of our expertise in the analysis of Hormonal, genetic, and metabolic pathways involved in the signaling of different stresses. In this way, our group aims to discover and characterize the mode of action of new natural molecules, as well as determine the plant response.

Plant pathogen interactions

Plant-pathogen interaction is a dynamic phenomenon subjected to continuous adaptation. On one side, plants have evolved different mechanisms to reduce the attack of pathogenic microorganisms by the induction of secondary metabolites or the production of antimicrobial proteins orchestrated by a complex network of signaling hormones. On the other side, pathogens have developed strategies to overcome plant defenses such as effectors that are able to suppress plant response. The study of how this perception and the derived responses are induced in both plant and microorganisms is crucial to understanding the mechanisms involved in plant protection.
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Nitrogen metabolism

One of the problems that currently causes concern is the high use of fertilizers, therefore, we need to have an exhaustive knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the efficient use of nitrogen (N), in order to later reduce the excess of NO3- used in processes crop fertilization, without affecting its yield. A problem linked to the above is that sensitivity to the attack of different pathogens is directly proportional to nitrogenous fertilization, which also triggers the use of different phytosanitary products that contribute to air pollution and contamination of irrigation water with the consequent risk of biological accumulation in the food chain.

Currently, our research group is studying the proteome of tomato plants grown with different N sources and their involvement in abiotic stress. The involvement of polyamines, specifically putrescine, in development and induced resistance is also being determined using silenced and overexpressing lines of the synthesis routes of this polyamine (ADC and ODC) obtained in our laboratory.