Lab meeting with the Ríos-Barrera lab

Where is the lab?

We are part of the Biomedical Research Institute, in the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM).

Lab website

Research summary

Our aim is to integrate morphogenesis from a subcellular to a tissue-scale approach. We address this using the Drosophila respiratory system as model. This tissue forms complex morphologies that exploit basic cellular processes to build many types of tubes. In addition, these tubes interact with a range of tissues with different chemical and physical properties, making it a great system to compile sub- and supracellular mechanisms of development.

Lab roll call

Daniel: I’m the proud leader of this group.

Berenice: I recently joined this incredible lab. I’m academic technician and my participation has consisted of experimentally supporting the projects.

Luis: I’m a PhD student in the lab, part of the Biochemistry program of UNAM. I’m studying how different tissues can interact during embryogenesis to form different functional structures, from a mechanical point of view. As with all the lab members, I use the fruit fly as a model.

Fernanda: Undergraduate student (Biomedical Research), studying the role of protein secretion during tracheal development.

Pedro: In my BSc program in Biomedical Research we do one-year lab rotations. This is my first rotation and I’m studying apoptosis in the tracheal system.

Samantha: I am a Biology BSc graduate and I am currently applying to Master’s programs to officially join the lab. My research interests lie in studying the mechanisms that coordinate the development of the respiratory system with other tissues.

Rebeca: I am a Neuroscience BSc student interested in developmental biology.

Favourite technique, and why?

Daniel: Tough choice! We do a lot of live imaging in the lab and I really love watching, processing and analysing those movies. But I’m also fascinated by electron microscopy and the wonders you find in electron microcraphs. 

Apart from your own research, what are you most excited about in developmental and stem cell biology?

Daniel: Non-model organism studies. The diversity of developmental processes in nature is truly fascinating.

How do you approach managing your group and all the different tasks required in your job?

Daniel: I think open communication with all lab members is key; also, an electronic calendar. We actually have a shared calendar where we schedule our meetings. the calendar includes deadlines, confocal bookings, things to buy, etc. So that we are all aware of what’s going on in the lab.

Are there any challenges unique to running a lab in Mexico?

Daniel: We have great talent, and funding from the University is good (at least for a fly lab). The main challenge is the speed of importing strains and reagents. We really have to plan ahead.

What is the best thing about where you work? 

Daniel: Our campus is enormous! We have 10 bus lines just to get around. Besides that, our institute has hired many new faculty and we are building a great community among ourselves and with the rest of the labs here.

Berenice: Our campus is always open to the general public, it has a very active cultural life to which everyone has access. Particularly in our Institute, there are many activities that keep us together such as competitions in which the student community participates with different ideas, we all learn a lot, I love that!

Luis: This university has an infinity of opportunities to do whatever you want. Since it is the largest university in Latin America, it has a lot of cultural, sport and social activities to do. Just in our institute, here we have very diverse labs researching very different topics, and we have the opportunity of learning about other’s research with the different seminars organized every week.

Fernanda: The campus is considered a World Heritage site. It offers diverse activities and services to the entire community, including sports, scientific and cultural events, free language courses, etc. Plus, beautiful scenery can be enjoyed when traveling by bus or bike inside the campus. At the institute, our collaborative environment with experts from various fields promotes the development of exciting research projects. 

Pedro: The whole campus is really nice; especially I like that it is surrounded by nature and grass to lie on.

Samantha: I haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the entire campus yet, but from the times I’ve been there, I can say that it’s a big institution. This facilitates collaboration with other labs for mutual support, and the campus provides excellent resources to achieve research goals. Additionally, the university offers a free bus service to travel all around the campus.

Rebeca: I like that laboratories have diverse research lines because it allows us to learn about many scientific topics and participate in outreach events that enrich our research projects.

What’s there to do outside of the lab?

Daniel: Even though Mexico City is huge, I find everything I need just within my neighbourhood: A bouldering gym, good spaces for biking, and above all, amazing restaurants.

Berenice: Near the institute, we have the university cultural zone with a wide variety of entertainment at low-cost, even free: theater, cinema, concerts, museums.

Outside of our campus -located south of Mexico City- is Coyoacán, a space with a lot of history, and Xochimilco, full of traditions and with a lake that you can explore.

Luis: Mexico City is beautiful and it’s not a secret that its population is huge. Because of this you can find any activity or group of people that matches your interests. Personally, I love musical theater and this city has amazing local and international productions. Also, if you want to have fun at night, there are so many options of bars and clubs for everyone.

Fernanda: Mexico City is a place full of museums, theaters, parks, and restaurants. This means you can find all sorts of activities and delicious food to eat. Moreover, these places are open nearly every day and are easily accessible by subway. 

Pedro: In general, I like spending my afternoons playing basketball on campus, but overall Mexico City is very diverse and you can find all kinds of activities.

Samantha: There are plenty of activities to enjoy around campus, such as visiting the botanical garden, exploring the museums, relaxing in the green spaces, or taking a long walk. These are just a few examples.

Rebeca: In the university, there are a variety of cultural spaces. You can attend art exhibitions, museums, theater plays, or concerts. Additionally, you can take art or dance classes. Personally, I enjoy learning languages, and the university offers that too. I’m currently learning Italian.

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