Luis GonzÁlez Candelas

Biography

ost of my scientific work can be grouped into two major themes: Biotechnology of microorganisms related to the agrifood sector and plant pathology. The first line started during my PhD Thesis, which focused on cloning and characterization of two genes of Bacillus polymyxa encoding beta-glucosidases. This work formed part of a strategy for the production of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. This wide group of enzymes was the connection that led to my interest in plant pathology. Thus, the theme during my postdoctoral work was the molecular study of Fusarium solani pectate lyases and their possible role as virulence factors. After my return to the IATA I continued the work towards the use of microbial proteins with potential agrifood interest by cloning, characterization and heterologous expression of the corresponding genes

Research Interest

The functional characterization of these genes is now one of the most active lines of our work. A distinctive aspect of the postharvest pathology studies carried out is the use of "omics" approaches, such as metabolomic analysis by HPLC-MS, transcriptomic approaches including cDNA microarrays, subtractive libraries or the use of RNA-Seq to identify induced/repressed genes during the fungus-fruit interaction. In this regard it is noteworthy that we have been pioneers in the sequencing of the genomes of several postharvest pathogenic fungi of the genus Penicillium. Part of our work has a more applied vision, as it focuses on the research and development of alternative methods to chemical fungicides. A parallel line in which I am involved, is the molecular characterization of Aspergillus carbonarius genes involved in the synthesis of the mycotoxin OTA.