Our group is focused on morphological and dynamic studies of the organisation of adult neurogenic zones of the central nervous system, and their comparison from fish to mammals (including the human species). We have pioneered the identification of areas of adult neurogenesis, as has been the case in reptiles and other vertebrates, and the identification of the stem cells responsible for such neurogenesis, as has been the case in fish, birds and mammals. These comparative studies have been very useful, allowing us to discover the existence of a cilium that acts as an antenna and is essential for activating neurogenesis. This discovery has helped cancer research groups to use it as a therapeutic target.

One of our main lines of research is based on the study of the activation or modulation of these areas in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential effect on the activation of neural stem cells (NSCs), neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis for myelination. On the other hand, we are not only dealing with problems with endogenous cells, but we have also tried to use exogenous stem cells, from bone marrow and fat. To this end, we have developed a number of techniques, notably the refinement of immunolabelling for electron microscopy in order to be able to monitor transplanted cells.

Among the models with potential clinical use, we have chosen cerebral stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS). In the case of stroke, we have transplanted human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and multipotent adult progenitors (hMAPCs), observing that cell transplantation provides neuroprotection and prevents secondary brain damage. This neuroprotective function is mediated through different therapeutic effects such as induction of angiogenesis, decreased inflammation and scarring, and increased proliferation of NSCs. In the case of the MS, we used classical MOG peptide lesion models and injected factors for oligodendrocyte activation, invading adjacent areas. Within the transplantation line, and in collaboration with the University of San Francisco, we have performed transplants of the medial ganglionic eminence from mouse embryos into early postnatal mice. Because the transplanted cells were fluorescent (GFP) we were able to analyse their distribution in the cerebral cortex and surprisingly and contrary to what is accepted, at least for the central nervous system, neuronal populations determine their number intrinsically, rather than due to external factors.

Other ongoing research is the discovery of the existence of neuronal migrations that take place in the human brain from the ventricles to the prefrontal cortex. These migrations are rarely observed in a very short window of life, ranging from embryonic stages to 6 months of life. We interpret this as our brain's ability to rapidly increase the cell population of the prefrontal cortex, which is well known for its importance in memory and learning.

Finally, we have observed that some of these chains appear to be directed to other regions as well, which would add valuable novel information unique to mammals. This series of findings are part of a macro-project, which aims to learn more about the fine and functional organisation of the human brain, and which is framed by other discoveries of ours such as the existence of stem cells in our brain, which helped to change the idea that there are no new neurons formed after birth.

Last but not least, we are a national and international reference in electron microscopy techniques for morphological diagnosis and not only for nerve cells, but also for stem cells, as confirmed by our numerous collaborations.

• Technical testing and analysis
• Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering