Ainhoa Martínez Medina
Leader of the Molecular Agroecology Lab
I have focused my career on understanding how beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere microbiome boost plant immunity and thereby stimulate plant health. After obtaining my PhD (CEBAS-CSIC, Spain), I moved to the lab of Dr Pozo (EEZ-CSIC, Spain) as a Postdoctoral Researcher, and later to the lab of Prof. Pieterse, at Utrecht University as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow (The Netherlands). I investigated molecular mechanisms of the plant immune system underlying Microbe-Induced plant Resistance (MIR). Later, as a Project Leader, I joined the group of Prof. van Dam at iDiv (Germany), where I focused on molecular ecology of MIR. In 2019, I secured an Attraction of Talent Grant, that allowed me to incorporate as a Junior Group Leader at IRNASA-CSIC (Spain). In 2021, I got a Ramón y Cajal contract; and in 2023, I was promoted to Tenured Scientist. Currently, I am the leader of MOLECOLAB.
Iván Manuel Fernández López
PostDoctoral Researcher – Lab Manager
I am interested in plant interactions with beneficial microbes, especially in the establishment and functioning of the mycorrhizal symbiosis. After obtaining my Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Pozo (2013, EEZ-CSIC), I moved to the lab of Prof. Pieterse as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow (Utrecht University, The Netherlands). Later, I joined as a postdoctoral researcher to the lab of Prof. Buscot (UFZ/iDiv, Germany). I joined to MOLECOLAB in 2019. I am currently applying integrative multi-omics approaches (transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) to uncover novel elements of the plant immune system involved in induced pest resistance by beneficial microorganisms. Since 2022, I am also in charge of a new platform implemented in the IRNASA involved in “Omics Science, Bioinformatic and Plant Gene Editing by CRISPR-CAS”.
Guadalupe Zitlalpopoca Hernández
PostDoctoral Researcher
I am interested in understanding the role of complex plant microbiomes on plant health, and integrating this knowledge into sustainable strategies for pest management. I completed my BS (Biologist) and my MSc (Agrobiology) at UNAM, Mexico. I obtained my PhD (Crop Science) at the University of Copenhagen (ITN, Marie Curie grant). I also participated in secondments at national and international research institutions (AgResearch, New Zealand; COLPOS, Mexico; EEZ-CSIC, Plant Response Biotech, and Experimental Station Cajamar, Spain). My primary research interest focuses on plant health induced by root-associated microbes, in both lab and field conditions. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at IRNASA-CSIC working on a new approach regarding the management of soil microbiomes for the induction of plant resistance and understanding of complex regulatory mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions.
Pedro López Gómez
PostDoctoral Researcher
I am interested in molecular signaling of the plant immune system and hormonal crosstalk. I obtained my Ph.D. at the Public University of Navarre, under the supervision of Prof. José Fernando Morán (2022). During my Ph.D., I investigated the plant molecular and chemical mechanisms involved in the oxidative production of the signaling molecule nitric oxide from indole acetic acid derivatives. During my formation, I also had the opportunity to conduct research in the labs of Dr. Nick Kruger (Oxford University, United Kingdom) and Prof. Dr. Corné Pieterse (Utrecht University, The Netherlands). In 2022, I joined to MOLECOLAB as a postdoctoral researcher. In my current research, I am modeling responses of the plant immune system related to microbe-induced pest resistance. With this aim, I am generating gene regulatory networks and using machine-learning approaches for inferring molecular interaction from plant multi-omics data.
Pablo M. Rodríguez Blanco
Ph.D. Candidate
I obtained my Ms.C. in Biostatistics at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM). During my Ms.C. I focused on understanding the statistical methods underlying microbiome analysis and developing new tools for the analysis of soil microbiomes. In 2022, I joined to MOLECOLAB as a Ph.D. Candidate. In my Doctoral Thesis, I explore how aboveground herbivory shapes the rhizosphere microbiome, and also the role of microbial legacies in plant resistance to insect pests.
Mª Gloria González Holgado
Laboratory technician
My primary research interest focuses on unraveling complex regulatory mechanisms of plant-insect-microbe interactions. I completed my BS (Biologist) and advanced studies (Molecular Genetics and Microbiology) at the University of Salamanca. I am a specialized Technician at CSIC, with over 20 years of experience applying cutting-edge molecular techniques for the study of microorganisms at molecular and cellular level. In January 2022, I joined to MOLECOLAB, and since then, I am applying transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and functional genomics to uncover the mechanisms of plant defenses against insect pests.
Former Group Members
Francisco Javier Colina Ruiz
Current position: EMBO Fellow, Laboratory of Plant Molecular Signaling,
Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Biology Centre CAS, Czech Republic.
