Optimization methods 2D-PAGE and CVAAS in metalomics studies for mercury in breast milk of nursing mothers from the influence of the AHE JIRAU: madeira River Basin

• Grant number: 12/04876-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Pedro de Magalhães Padilha
• Grantee: Amanda Ungari Machado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The work seeks to develop an analytical methodology for the application of metalômica in identifying potential biomarkers of toxicity of mercury in the area of influence of the AHE JIRAU - Madeira River Basin. To achieve this main goal, the project brings together a multi-institutional team (UNB, UNESP, and UNICAMP), committed to developing two-dimensional electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) for fractionation and identification of proteins required for transport of mercury in breast milk samples collected in infants with the local population, and analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative assessment of mercury in protein spots. The proposed work will provide support in the scientific-technical and environmental health of the utmost importance, enabling the development of monitoring protocols applicable to hydropower projects in the Amazon region. The possible identification of biomarkers (mercury transport proteins) characterizes the originality of the project and will constitute a landmark in the study of metalômica related to the toxicity of mercury in breast milk. The unprecedented nature of the proposed contributions will also provide scientific, technological, and socio-environmental extremely relevant, for example, the deployment of specialized laboratories in the implementation of metalômica in studies of mercury toxicity, and the ability of companies in the energy sector to develop effective programs of environmental health-related hidrobiogeoquímico the cycle of mercury in the Amazon region. (AU)