Scientific MUE: acquisition of a set of equipment for a multi-omic approach in hereditary diseases, cancer, xenotransplantation and aging

• Grant number: 22/11511-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Scientific
• Start date: October 01, 2022
• End date: September 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Maria Rita dos Santos e Passos Bueno
• Grantee: Maria Rita dos Santos e Passos Bueno
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Keity Souza Santos ; Mayana Zatz ; Silvano Mario Attilio Raia

Abstract

Modernization and implementation of equipment are essential to generate results in our research so that they are internationally competitive and allow a greater chance of reproducibility. In addition to the inclusion of equipment with higher resolutions and greater versatility, it is also essential to acquire equipment that allows for faster obtaining of results. Innovative equipment combined with specialized staff increases our efficiency in scientific production as well as the possibility of contributing to urgent and relevant research for the population, such as the cases of our research on host genomics in relation to Zika virus infections and on SARS -CoV-2 and development of rapid diagnostic tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.This proposal includes 5 devices. 4 of these (Abby, Symphony S6, Cytation C10 and Axioscan) are highly relevant for understanding the relationship between genetic constitution and phenotypic effect through the use of various methodological strategies and 1 (SeqStudio) for the characterization of specific genetic variants. With the acquisition of them, we expect to include new approaches or improve our analysis capacity to dissect the cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms in different phenotypes related to neuromuscular diseases, neurodevelopment, among others. For example, in the current research scenario, it is essential to carry out qualitative analysis of organoids and differentiation processes in real time (2D and 3D cultures), which depends on equipment not available yet at HUG-CEL or at the Biosciences Institute. Other areas of research that we have developed and highly relevant for better population health are: gene therapy, cell therapy, oncolytic therapy and tissue engineering. Among these, we would like to highlight: CAR T-cell and tumors, viral oncolytic therapies, the generation of functional organs for transplants through tissue engineering techniques and through genetic modification of pigs/xenotransplantation. These researches depend on several methodological approaches, such as analysis of specific cell types, characterization of proliferation, migration, cell differentiation, cell response to environmental factors, among others, requiring more robust and current equipment to generate internationally competitive data. With the objective of raising the technological quality and keeping Brazilian research competitive, we present a proposal for a new facility - Genome Cell Facility, which will be incorporated into the already existing Genome Sequencing Facility. (AU)