Internal Morphogenesis and Homeostasis

Our main scientific interest is the understanding of intestinal morphogenesis and cellular polarity during morphogenesis, homeostasis, and regeneration, as well as their implications in human diseases, such as cancer, inflammation and intestinal bowel diseases (IBD). Our research is based model systems such as organoids. Moreover, with this system, we are obtaining essential information about the molecular mechanisms that regulate epithelial morphogenesis. However, this model cannot reconstitute the complexity of the architecture given in vivo, which includes different cell types, dynamic remodeling, and tissue homeostasis. For this reason, the use of in vivo systems should serve to validate and better characterize the phenotypes observed in vitro. We used the zebrafish and mouse intestine as models systems to elucidate epithelial morphogenesis and intestinal homeostasis.

We are focused on the analysis of genes that regulate epithelial polarity during morphogenesis, and intestinal homeostasis, and particularly those controlling the following processes: Signaling, membrane trafficking, mechanical forces, and metabolic remodeling.

2025 Activity Indicators

1 competitive European project led: MSCA-DN (HE)
5 competitive national public projects: MICINN
4 private projects led: F. La Caixa, Fund. R. Areces, AECC
6 competitive HR contracts
1 doctoral thesis supervised and defended
1 activity with social impact: development of scientific activities at the Príncipe de Asturias public school (Madrid) for February 11th, "International Day of Women and Girls in Science"

Milestones

Awarded competitive public funding for the project "B cell mitochondria as regulators of innate immune response during germinal center reaction and their role in ageing" (Ref. PID2024-162320OB-I00), funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) and led by Dr. Nuria Martínez.
Awarded competitive private funding for the project "Unveiling a novel intercellular dialogue: mitochondria transfer to B cells during the immune response," funded by the Ramón Areces Foundation and led by Dr. Nuria Martínez.
Defense of the doctoral thesis entitled "Exploring mitochondrial function in B cells during the humoral immune response," by doctoral candidate Marta Iborra Pernichi, receiving the highest distinction (summa cum laude).
Organization of the meeting of the Spanish Thematic Network on the interaction between cellular metabolism and the microenvironment, held at the CBMSO in March 2025.
Strengthening of the group's human resources through obtaining a predoctoral contract associated with project PID2024-162320OB-I00, funded by the MICINN and led by Dr. Nuria Martínez.