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.

2024 Activity Indicators

2 european competitive projects led: H2020-MSCA-IF y HE-MSCA-DN
5 national public competitive projects: MICINN
3 private competitive projects led
5 HR competitive contracts
2 publications
D1 publications: 1 (50%)
IF: 16.60
2 thesis
Evaluators of projects of national and international public agencies: 2 PI

Milestones

Strengthening of the international positioning of the group: "Epithelial Exchange Surfaces -From organizing principles to ex vivo disease models of the gatekeepers of the body (SurfEx)" led by Dr. Martin-Belmonte and funded by the EU (Horizon-MSCA-2022-DN -101119504) with a duration of four years.
Start of the public competitive project: "Neonatal Intestinal Microenvironment: The Role of Enterocytes in Homeostasis" led by Dr. Martin-Belmonte, funded by the MICINN (PID2023-151844OB-I00) with a duration of three years.
Coordination of the network of excellence: "Red Temática ESPAÑOLA de la Interacción entre el Metabolismo Celular y el Microambiente en Homeostasis y Enfermedades" coordinated by Dr. Martín Belmonte, funded by the MICINN (RED2022-134927-T) with a duration of two years.
Two doctoral theses defended by researchers doctoral candidates (Gonzalo Herranz and Marta Iborra) and directors belonging to the group and with outstanding Cum Laude qualification.
Iborra M, Ruiz J, Velasco de la Esperanza M, Estrada BS, Bovolenta ER, Cifuentes C, Prieto C, González T, García J, Rey MF, Rupérez FJ, Guerra M, Argüello RJ, Cogliati S, Martín F, Martínez N. Defective mitochondria remodelling in B cells leads to an aged immune response. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1): 2569 - 2569. DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-46763-1.