Biomarkers candidates search for cutaneous leishmaniasis by mass spectrometry

• Grant number: 15/25288-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Nogueira Eberlin
• Grantee: Fernanda Negrão Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is a neglected disease in Brazil and worldwide. The search of biomarkers candidates of leishmaniasis is the first step to its control, because biological markers can be used to develop new diagnostic tests. In addition, drug development. Mass spectrometry (MS) is an essential tool for screening biomolecules, and has produced excellent results in many areas of medicine and pharmacy. This proposal aims to apply the MS in the search of biomarkers candidates of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the most common clinical form of the disease. The project involves the imaging of proteins and lipids in lesions of infected mice (widely used in experimental models of this disease) referred to the species L. amazonensis and L. major. The MS techniques to be applied, in special MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization), allows detection of biomolecules with high sensitivity, accuracy and selectivity compared to other classical biomolecules chemical analysis techniques. The search of biomarkers candidates with this methodology will give more information about the pathophysiological mechanisms ofLeishmania spp, providing excellent prospects in new diagnostic tests and drug development. This proposal will contribute effectively to improve the understanding of the parasite Leishmania spp. biology and pathophysiology. (AU)