We are interested in understanding the cellular and molecular bases of cardiovascular embryonic development and in finding ways to reactivate these mechanisms for the promotion of adult heart regeneration.

We have developed genetic methods in the mouse model that allow us to trace cell lineages using clonal analysis or functional mosaics. We have also established culture methods for the live analysis of developmental processes in embryonic stem cells and in the early mouse embryo. Using these new approaches, we have demonstrated the importance of cell competition in the early mouse embryo and in the cardiomyocyte lineage of the developing and adult heart. We are currently exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cell-cell comparison and loser-cell elimination.

Furthermore, we have identified cell competition as a strategy for stimulating the proliferation and replacement of adult cardiomyocyte populations, without compromising cardiac function. A current focus of the lab is the transcriptional control of cardiomyocyte polyploidization and proliferation in the adult heart and their impact on cardiac function and repair.

Regarding scientific projects, among others, Miguel Torres is the coordinator of the EU project "New-generation cardiac therapeutic strategies directed to the activation of endogenous regenerative mechanisms" (https://reanima2020.eu/) participated by 12 international institutions and funded within Horizon2020 and the Comunidad de Madrid project "Bioingeniería de células satélite de músculo esquelético como nueva estrategia de diferenciación a cardiomiocitos y regeneración cardiaca", in which 5 groups of the Madrid region cooperate.  In 2024 the group started the ERC AdG REACTIVA, focused on the regulation of cardiomyocyte ploidy and its impact on heart regenertion.

In addition, Miguel Torres is a PI of a new research group (January 2023) in the “Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Cardiovasculares” (CIBER-CV).