Cell Biology Group

In the Cell Biology Group of the COMAV Institute we study different aspects of plant cell biology interesting from an applied point of view within the context of plant biotechnology and plant breeding.

One of our priority research topics focuses on the study of the experimental phenomenon of androgenesis. On the one hand, we are interested on the study of this process in a model system (Brassica napus). Our aim is to shed light on the role of several factors, both endogenous and exogenous, potentially involved in the induction of microspore embryogenesis and the development of the androgenic embryo.

On the other hand, we use this and the rest of the available knowledge to develop efficient protocols to produce doubled haploid individuals in recalcitrant species of agronomic interest, mainly but not only Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae.

In addition, we study other basic aspects of cell structure, function and physiology, always related to plant biology. For this, we have extensive experience in implementing a wide range of basic and advanced cell biology-based techniques as well as the equipment necessary to apply them to any type of plant material. These techniques include flow cytometry, in vitro culture of plant cells and tissues, osmometry, light and fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, cryoprocessing techniques (high pressure freezing and freeze substitution), in situ molecular localization techniques (immunofluorescence, immunogold labelling, in situ hybridization, FISH), quantititative analysis, and three-dimensional reconstruction, among others.