Molecular recognition between Trypanosoma Cruzi and endothelial cells: phage display studies

• Grant number: 12/13967-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2012
• End date: November 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Jose Giordano
• Grantee: André Azevedo Reis Teixeira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 08/54806-8 - Identification of new molecular markers in angiogenic retina and rational design of new therapeutic agents for eye diseases with a vascular component, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/06069-0 - Development of human monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Chagas' Disease, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, is an intracellular parasite known for over a century. In order to infect host cells and complete their reproductive cycle, it needs to perform recognition, adhesion and invasion of these cells. The trans-sialidase family is the largest gene family of the parasite, comprising about 1,400 genes and pseudogenes, the gp85/trans-sialidases (TS) are a group of molecules present on the surface of trypomastigotes that are involved in molecular recognition of the parasite. Using phage display technology, it was demonstrated by Tonelli, et al. (2010), that a motif of 14 aminoacid residues, known as FLY, a highly conserved sequences in the trans-sialidases, has characteristics of molecular recognition that emulate recognition patterns of the T. cruzi. In this project our goal is to identify new conserved motifs in the sequences of trans-sialidases and to characterize them to their ability to recognize and adhere to in endothelial cells and which receptors they use to do so, thus contributing to the understanding of the interactions between host-parasite at the molecular level. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

TEIXEIRA, André Azevedo Reis. Molecular recognition in Chagas disease from the point of view of the parasite and the host. 2017. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ) São Paulo.