The research activity of the group focuses on identifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate ovule and seed development. We are particularly interested in two aspects: the determination of ovule number—and thus seed number—and the control of seed size.
Ovule and seed formation is an essential process in the plant life cycle, as it ensures successful reproduction. It is also of great economic relevance, as it directly impacts crop yield. It is worth highlighting that human and livestock nutrition relies heavily on calories derived from seeds, particularly cereals and legumes.
Unraveling the gene networks that control seed number and size will enable the development of new strategies for crop improvement. Additionally, ovule initiation and morphogenesis represent an excellent model system for generating knowledge in the field of plant development.
Seed number and size are determined by a complex genetic network involving numerous transcription factors regulated by hormonal signaling pathways, including brassinosteroids, auxins, and cytokinins.
Our group’s data point to gibberellins as a new key regulator—through the action of DELLA proteins—in determining ovule and seed number in Arabidopsis and agronomically important species such as tomato and rapeseed, as well as in controlling seed size. Our current work focuses primarily on uncovering which DELLA-regulated genes are involved in these processes. To tackle this, we use molecular genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and microscopy techniques.
Scientific strategies:
1. Identification of transcription factors (TFs) that interact with DELLA proteins during ovule and seed development in Arabidopsis, followed by identification and characterization of the direct targets of the DELLA-TF module in the placenta, ultimately responsible for ovule and seed formation.
2. Study of the genetic pathways that cause certain Arabidopsis della mutants to produce larger ovules and seeds.
3. Characterization of the genetic and molecular interaction between gibberellins and brassinosteroids in ovule formation in tomato, focusing on the regulation of gibberellin metabolism by brassinosteroids and identifying DELLA target genes. Special attention will be paid to processes that differ from those observed in Arabidopsis.
4. Evolutionary study of ovules by analyzing changes in their morphology from basal angiosperms to more recently evolved angiosperms.
Research lines:
1. Gibberellin-mediated control of seed number, size, and quality: uncovering the molecular mechanism to develop biotechnological tools. Project PID2020-113920RB-I00 (01/08/2021–31/07/2024), funded by the Spanish Research Agency.