- Plant Innate Immunity
- Molecular Biology of Plant-Fungal Interactions
- Cell Wall-Mediated Disease Resistance
- +۳ مورد دیگر
Antonio Molina Fernández is a Professor at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid , leading the Plant Innate Immunity and Resistance to Necrotrophic Fungi group at the Center for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP) . His research focuses on understanding plant defense mechanisms against necrotrophic fungal pathogens, particularly using the Arabidopsis-Plectosphaerella cucumerina interaction as a model system. Key areas include molecular recognition of pathogens, cell wall integrity signaling, and fungal pathogenicity mechanisms. His group investigates how plants sense necrotrophic fungi through receptors like ERECTA and BAK1, regulatory pathways involving MAP kinases and G-proteins, and the role of secondary metabolites in immunity. They also study the genomic basis of fungal lifestyles (pathogenic vs. endophytic) and their interactions with host plants. Current projects include enhancing crop disease resistance via cell wall-derived signals, zinc-mediated immunity, and sustainable agricultural solutions through bioengineering. Molina has secured funding from multiple EU programs, including Horizon-CL6 and MCIN/AEI grants. Notable achievements include identifying the YODA kinase pathway for broad-spectrum resistance and demonstrating the role of cell wall DAMPs in immunity. His work bridges fundamental research with translational applications, aiming to develop biocontrol strategies and climate-resilient crops.





