Science Faculty

Seminario del 29 de septiembre de 2022

Seminario Departamento de Biología. Dr. Miguel Sánchez Álvarez

Eukaryotic cells evolved several dynamic cell compartments (endoplasmic reticulum domains and the cell secretion system, lipid bodies, etc.) which contribute specialized functions to cell physiology. Major, ´classical´ roles for each of these organelles have been studied for decades in some cases. However, recent technological advances, allowing us to unbiasedly profile the molecular makeup and the genetic control of these structures, have revealed several novel, unexpected functions for many of them. These insights could significantly improve our understanding of different diseases, and help us identify novel therapeutic opportunities. In this talk, I will discuss examples of this concept we currently aim to contribute to, including novel mechanisms dictating endoplasmic reticulum shape and their coordination with other cell functions; and an emerging role of lipid droplets as specialized sites for first line defence responses against pathogens.