Our research group is focused on the study of genes and biological processes whose alterations lead to pathologies with molecular and physiological bases common to the natural aging process. In particular, and from a translational approach, we focus on investigating the molecular basis of the differential susceptibility to cancer in people with Down syndrome, who also develop premature aging. 

Advances in the field of Genetics, reflected in early diagnosis of diseases and the development of efficient and specific therapies, have contributed significantly to an increase in life expectancy. At the same time, pathologies associated with aging have gradually increased. These deleterious changes that are associated with the natural aging process, sometimes , usually manifest themselves at an early age due, in this case, to congenital alterations that trigger genetic diseases of varying degrees of severity. The study of genes and biological processes whose alterations lead to these pathologies with molecular and physiological bases in common with the natural aging process can constitute a source of knowledge that can contribute both to the treatment of these diseases and to the delay or improvement of those physiological processes associated with the aging of the organism. Likewise, a better understanding of the biology of aging can contribute to improving the quality of life of our elders and, therefore, of society. In particular, we have focused on dyskeratosis congenita and differential susceptibility to tumors in patients with Down syndrome. In the search for advanced therapies and adjuvants in cancer treatments, one of our research lines evaluates the effect of certain polyphenols in pediatric tumor lines, in collaboration with the Microbial Biotechnology Group of the UFV. 

The research lines of the group also have a strong ethical component; we are firmly convinced that there is a need for powerful research in diseases that due to lack of effective and safe therapies put people’s lives at risk, in their different stages, and in this way we could contribute to the welfare of our society.