Pilar Cubas is PhD in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Although her career began in the field of the development of the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster, as a postdoctoral researcher her interests turned towards plant molecular genetics. In Rico Coen's laboratory at the John Innes Institute (Norwich, UK), she discovered the TCP domain, typical of a family of plant transcription factors. She also studied the role of the CYLOIDEA gene in the evolution of bilateral floral symmetry and discovered the molecular basis responsible for peloria, a natural variant of Linaria vulgaris that changes the flowers’ symmetry and was first described by Linneo.
Researcher at the CNB-CSIC since 2002, her group studies the function of the TCP genes in the control of plant architecture and the genetic networks involved in this process in Arabidopsis thaliana. She has also studied the evolution of BRANCHED1 genes in other angiosperms, particularly in Solanaceae. Her most recent work describes the role of the BRANCHED1b gene in preventing tuber formation in the aerial nodes of the potato plant. She collaborates with leading international groups in the study of branching control and signaling by strigolactones.
Her research has been published in more than 60 scientific articles in specialised journals. She has obtained international cooperation funds and maintains contracts and collaborations with companies. In addition to giving numerous invited lectures at academic and research institutions and at national and international conferences, she participates in the evaluation of national and international projects, is a member of the European Plant Science Organization, and editor of Journal of Experimental Botany.
Cubas is the seventh CNB-CSIC researcher to receive this appointment, along with Carlos Martínez, Ana Clara Carrera, Víctor de Lorenzo, José Ramón Naranjo, Javier Paz-Ares and Roberto Solano.
About EMBO
EMBO is an organization of more than 2,000 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. The goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.
EMBO helps young scientists to advance their research, promote their international visibility and ensure their mobility. Courses, workshops, conferences, and scientific journals disseminate the latest research and offer training in techniques to maintain high standards of excellence in research practice. EMBO helps to shape science and research policy by seeking input and feedback from our community and by following closely the trends in science in Europe.
For more information: EMBO Press Release
