Currently, the Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology (PATH) team is devoted to research on fundamental biology aspects (from gene to organism levels) of the morphology and physiology of fish and aquatic invertebrate species, with confirmed or with potential interest for aquaculture production and fisheries. The research data has been serving as pillars for the species sustainable exploitation as food, as ornamental species, and as novel resources for the bioeconomy. The PATH also investigates the effects and mechanisms of metabolic (lipidic), reproductive and endocrine disorders of diverse species of fish and invertebrates, which may impact on their growth, fitness, and population sustainability. In such studies, we are currently taking into account interactions of environmental factors (particularly climate change scenarios), to know how they interact with the disorders pathogenesis and impact on disease outcomes. In parallel, the PATH investigates water quality in coastal ecosystems, namely looking for the presence of substances that cause the above mentioned disorders in wild biota or cultures species, and therefore impact on production efficiency, and environmental and human health. Our know-how on the physiopathology of cancer (from past projects) and cytotoxicity is being extended to mechanistic studies to identify marine-derived compounds worth exploring in biotechnological usages, namely as anticancer and anti-larvicidal agents.

Publications Highlights

Projects

• INNOVMAR: Innovation and Sustainability in the Management and Exploitation of Marine Resources
• ATLANTIDA: Platform for the monitoring of the North Atlantic ocean and tools for the sustainable exploitation of the marine resources