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Research Group on Metal Homeostasis in Yeasts and Plants - CuFeFIT

Description

Copper and iron are essential micronutrients for all eukaryotic organisms because they are involved as redox cofactors in a wide range of metabolic processes, such as energy generation in organelles and lipid biosynthesis. Physiological, biochemical and genetic studies have revealed the large number of connections between copper and iron homeostasis, which must necessarily be studied simultaneously. In our group, we use the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in combination to explore conserved mechanisms of response to sub-optimal levels of copper and iron, with the aim of developing biotechnological applications in agriculture and human health. 
An important part of the control of the response to metal deficiency occurs at the post-transcriptional level, as corroborated by studies with mammalian iron regulatory proteins. In this regard, we study the involvement of mRNA degradation and translation machineries in the response of yeast cells to alterations in iron and copper levels, with special interest in the conserved RNA-binding protein Cth2, which controls cellular iron metabolism. In addition, we studied the role of Cth2 homologues in Arabidopsis in the response to metal deficiencies such as copper, iron and zinc, as well as the contribution of metal-regulated microRNAs to copper and iron homeostasis. Rising temperatures caused by climate change and the rise of organic farming are contributing to an increase in fungal pathogens in plants, which challenge food safety and quality. We explore the role of iron and copper in two important pest control strategies. First, iron is essential for the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and ergosterol, which determine the fluidity of cell membranes. The ergosterol biosynthesis pathway is used as a target for treatments with antifungal compounds. We use S. cerevisiae to study the connections between iron and lipid metabolisms, with the aim of finding out how iron modulates fungal resistance to antifungal compounds. Secondly, the excessive and toxic accumulation of copper in soils and in the edible part of plants is affecting agriculture in general and oenology in particular. Grape musts have high levels of copper that alter the quality and safety of wines. We will determine the tolerance and copper extraction capacity of a large number of Saccharomyces species and strains of oenological interest, which can contribute to reducing the detrimental effect of copper on wines. Finally, iron deficiency anaemia is the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world, with a greater impact on women and children. Food fortification and iron supplementation are strategies used to prevent and treat iron deficiency in humans and animals. We will exploit the recently characterised genomic sequence diversity in Saccharomyces species to obtain iron-enriched yeasts that can be used as iron supplements or for fortified bakery products.
 

Goals CT

Study of the post-transcriptional regulation of copper and iron homeostasis in yeast and higher plants.

Research lines
  • Yeast metal homeostasis

    Our main research goal is to decipher how eukaryotic cells regulate gene expression to correctly transport, distribute and utilise iron in response to the frequently low availability of this essential micronutrient. We use the yeast Saccharomyces.

  • Metal homeostasis in higher plants

    Copper and iron are essential micronutrients for virtually all living organisms but are toxic when in excess. Our aim is to decipher how higher plants transport, distribute and use these metals and how they regulate metal homeostasis.

Management
  • PEÑARRUBIA BLASCO, DOLORES
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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Members
  • MARTINEZ PASTOR, M TERESA
  • PDI-Titular d'Universitat
  • Especialista Pau
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  • PEREA GARCIA, ANA
  • Alumn.-Servei de Formacio Permanent
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Collaborators
  • SANZ GRAU, M AMPARO
  • PDI-Titular d'Universitat
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Non-UV research staff

Partners

  • Sergi Puig Todolí - IATA - CSIC 
     
Scientific production by UV researcher
  • PEÑARRUBIA BLASCO, DOLORES
    PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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  • MARTINEZ PASTOR, M TERESA
    PDI-Titular d'UniversitatEspecialista Pau
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  • SANZ GRAU, M AMPARO
    PDI-Titular d'Universitat
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Associated structure
Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED)
Contact group details
Metal Homeostasis in Yeasts and Plants (CuFeFIT)

Burjassot/Paterna Campus

C/ Dr. Moliner, 50

46100 Burjassot (Valencia)

+34 963 543 013

Geolocation

www.uv.es/cuatlab

lola.penarrubia@uv.es

Contact people
  • PEÑARRUBIA BLASCO, DOLORES
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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