Environmental and pharmacological applications of the modulation of the levels and physicochemical properties of essential metals: a Russo-Brazilian proposal for cooperation

• Grant number: 22/05826-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: October 24, 2022
• End date: October 23, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Breno Pannia Esposito
• Grantee: Breno Pannia Esposito
• Visiting researcher: Vasilii Khripun
• Visiting researcher institution: Saint-Petersburg State University (SPbSU), Russia
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bioinorganic Chemistry is an interdisciplinary area of great importance for human and animal health, as well as for the progress of ecosystems, as it deals with the metabolism of metal ions under extremely controlled conditions. In this project, we wish to combine the experience of Russian collaborator Dr Vasiliy Khripoun regarding bioavailable complexes of molybdenum and tungsten, and metal-protein interaction calculations, to increase the scope of research (mostly funded by FAPESP) developed by the Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry Environmental and Metallodrugs (LAQBAM) from IQUSP. Dr Khripoun's expertise can help both our environmental projects (promoting the nutrition of corals and zooxanthellae with trace elements) and pharmacological projects (new iron chelators for the treatment of cancer and metal overload intoxications), in which several students are currently working. This Visiting Professor internship will certainly be the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the groups from both countries, helping to consolidate the bioinorganic practice in both. (AU)