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Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator
CV at a glance
CV at a glance
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Barcelona. Ph.D. in Plant Biology (2004) at the University of Barcelona. Postdoctoral researcher at UB (2004-2005). Senior postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (Cologne, Germany) (2006-2012) working under the supervision of Dr. Matthieu Reymond (INRA), Prof. Jane E. Parker and Prof. Maarten Koornneef at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics. Ramón y Cajal researcher at the University of Barcelona (2012-2017) where I established my research group focused on polyamines. Marie Curie Career Integration Grant holder (2012-2016). Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona (2017-nowadays). Treasurer of the Spanish Society of Plant Biology (SEBP) (2021-2025).
During my scientific career I've been studying the involvement of polyamines in plant abiotic and biotic stress resistance from a molecular and genetics perspective. I also investigated the genetics of immune-related hybrid incompatibilities and the evolution of disease resistance genes in nature using genetics of natural variation.
I am currently focused on gaining a deep understanding of the mechanisms of action and intricate signaling pathways associated with polyamines in plants, particularly in the context of their roles in defense responses. Additionally, my research interests extend to exploring the broader field of metabolite signaling in plants. I am also engaged in the development of new plant biostimulants through transfer of technology projects.
At the University, I teach Plant Physiology (coordinator), Cell Biology and Genetics, Plant Biotechnology and Specialized Metabolism of Plants.
Team members
Team members
Jingwen CuiPhD studentChina Scholarship Council (CSC) Fellow
Jingwen Cui comes from China. She investigates how polyamines (such as putrescine and spermine) modulate cell wall composition and its connection to plant defense signaling. Her work also explores polyamine interactions with necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Using molecular biology and metabolomics approaches, she studies how these compounds regulate local and systemic defense responses, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture as novel priming agents for disease resistance.
Lucía DíazPhD studentBeca predoctoral del Gobierno de Colombia
Lucía Díaz-Narváez comes from Colombia. She is biotechnologist working in the development of new bacteria-based plant biostimulants for abiotic stress (drought, cold/freezing and salinity) protection in tomato and rapeseed.
Jiaqi ZhaoPhD studentChina Scholarship Council (CSC) Fellow
Jiaqi Zhao comes from China. She earned both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Viticulture and Enology - from Gansu Agricultural University and Northwest A&F University, respectively. Her research focuses on understanding how polyamines contribute to plant defense responses, particularly in ETI-triggered systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
Milena ZumstegPhD studentFI-SDUR (Generalitat de Catalunya) Fellow
Milena Zumsteg comes from Chile. She is Biochemist graduated from the University of Concepción (Chile) with a master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Barcelona. She is working in polyamine signaling, cell death and plant immune modulation. Interested in plant physiology, phytopathology, and the development of biotechnological solutions. Motivated by generating innovative tools that contribute to the advancement of these fields, with a focus on sustainability and improving plant health.
Past members
Past members
Alumni (PhD and Postdocs)
Dr. Chi Zhang, PhD fellow China Scholarship Council CSC (2020-2024)
Dr. Ester Murillo Villuendas, PhD fellow FPI (2019-2023)
Dr. Nazanin Arafaty, PhD fellow APIF-UB (2017-2021)
Dr. Changxin Liu, PhD fellow China Scholarship Council CSC (2016-2020).
Dr. Kostadin E. Atanasov, PhD fellow FPI (Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain) (2016-19). Postdoctoral researcher (2022-23)
Alumni (MsC Biotechnology)
Milena Smith Zumsteg (2023/24)
Anna Valls (2022/23) MsC i Beca de col·laboració
Cristina Noguera (2021/22)
Ana Fleitas (2019/21)
Fernando Yelamo (2018/19)
Milena Acosta (2018/19)
Víctor Rodríguez (2017/18)
Marta Carrión (2017/18)
Íñigo Aristizábal (2016/17)
Fredrik Dölfors (2016/17)
Ester Murillo (2015/16)
In memoriam
Prof. Dr. Antonio F. Tiburcio (1952-2021)
Full professor at the University of Barcelona. Founder of the polyamine's lab in 1985, friend and mentor.
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