Research

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Hormonal signaling and abiotic stress

Plant responses to abiotic stress is an important research topic in plant biology, particularly due to the strong impact of global warming in agriculture. In response to abiotic stresses such as drought or salt, the root is the first tissue that detects this new stress condition. The architecture of the root system is then modulated. Therefore, there are changes in the root length, lateral roots density and the size of the root meristem. Although abiotic stress is mainly linked to ABA signaling, in the laboratory we are focused on changes in root architecture that could be orchestrated by hormones controlling plant development such as auxin and cytokinin.

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Alternative splicing

Alternative splicing is a vital post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in plants that enables a single gene to generate multiple mRNA isoforms, thereby increasing proteomic complexity. This process plays a central role in plant development and in modulating responses to environmental stimuli. Its dynamic nature allows plants to fine-tune gene expression across different tissues and stress conditions. In the lab we are studying the alternative splicing in response to salt stress. Moreover, we are also interested in the regulation mechanisms of alternative splicing, which involves a network of splicing factors and RNA-binding proteins that influence splice site selection. 

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Plant Biostimulants

Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges currently facing agriculture and is expected to intensify in the near future. The overuse of fertilizers and chemical inputs has led to serious environmental consequences, including water eutrophication. In response, biostimulants have gained prominence as a sustainable solution, helping producers enhance plant growth and yields while improving resilience to various environmental stresses. In our laboratory, we investigate the mechanisms of action of different biostimulant types, with a particular focus on hormone signaling pathways. We also collaborate with biostimulant companies in Chile and have developed our own protein hydrolysate-based biostimulant.