NMR spectroscopic approaches to study cell wall organization and antifungal drug resistance in fungi

• Grant number: 24/18720-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Principal researcher abroad: Birgit HABENSTEIN
• Institution abroad: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France
• Principal researcher abroad: Birgit HABENSTEIN
• Institution abroad: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France
• Principal researcher abroad: LOQUET Antoine
• Institution abroad: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France
• Principal researcher abroad: LOQUET Antoine
• Institution abroad: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/04977-5 - The identification of new pathways and compounds that can enhance caspofungin activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, AP.TEM

Abstract

Our consortium proposes a timely project in the context of the current antifungal resistance. The two PIs are internationally recognized in their respective field and we propose to combine our expertise to advance the state-of-the-art research in fungal cell wall biology and biophysics. Several activities will be highly desirable to achieve a strong partnership between the Brazilian and French researchers:(1) Exchange of knowledge and know-how between the two groups on biophysical analysis of the cell wall. We plan two visits of the French researchers in Brazil at the host University, to disseminate their expertise in structural analysis of the cell wall. NMR data recorded on Prof. G.H. Goldman samples will be analyzed under the supervision of the French researchers with Brazilian students and young researchers, to expand their knowledges and skills. Moreover, we would like to organize two courses given by French researchers to Brazilian researchers and students in the field of biophysics and structural biology to present the latest developments in solid-state NMR research.(2) Exchange of knowledge and know-how between the two groups on fungal cell wall biology. We plan two visits of the Brazilian researchers in France at the host Institute and at the University, to disseminate their expertise in fungal biology. Skills in sample preparation of fungal samples and how to set up antifungal drug essays will be shared by the Brazilian researchers to French researchers and students. Moreover, the host group in France is involved in a newly PSGAR (Programmes Scientifiques de Grande Ambition Régionale) called MIE (Anticiper l'émergence de maladies infectieuses: anticipating the emergence of infectious dieseases). This research program gathering a large community of researcher working in the field on emerging infectious diseases and global health, and Aspergillus is one of the main topics of this large consortium. We plan to organize a seminar of Prof. Goldman with a broad audience, possibly at the Bordeaux University College Hospital during the annual seminar of this consortium. Additionally, we would like to organize an international seminar day Brazil-France at the IECB, that will gather Brazilian and French researchers working at the interface between biology and chemistry.(2) Troca de conhecimento e know-how entre os dois grupos sobre biologia da parede celular fúngica. Planejamos duas visitas dos pesquisadores brasileiros à França, no Instituto anfitrião e na Universidade, para disseminar seus conhecimentos em biologia fúngica. Habilidades no preparo de amostras de fungos e como montar ensaios de medicamentos antifúngicos serão compartilhadas pelos pesquisadores brasileiros com pesquisadores e estudantes franceses. Além disso, o grupo anfitrião em França está envolvido num novo PSGAR (Programmes Scientifiques de Grande Ambition Régionale) denominado MIE (Anticiper l'émergence de maladies infectieuses: antecipando a emergência de doenças infecciosas). Este programa de investigação reúne uma grande comunidade de investigadores que trabalham na área das doenças infecciosas emergentes e da saúde global, sendo o Aspergillus um dos principais temas deste grande consórcio. Planejamos organizar um seminário do Prof. Goldman com um público amplo, possivelmente no Bordeaux University College Hospital durante o seminário anual deste consórcio. Além disso, gostaríamos de organizar um seminário internacional Brasil-França no IECB, que reunirá pesquisadores brasileiros e franceses que trabalham na interface entre biologia e química. (AU)