| Grant number: | 17/09136-3 |
| Support type: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| Effective date (Start): | September 01, 2017 |
| Effective date (End): | April 30, 2019 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Morphology - Histology |
| Principal researcher: | Sonia Maria Oliani |
| Grantee: | Rafaela Batista Molás Mendes |
| Home Institution: | Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil |
| Associated scholarship(s): | 18/07895-7 - The Effect of Zika Virus Infection on Placental Development, BE.EP.MS |
Abstract Studies that allow the understanding of mechanisms that play a role in placental pathophysiology are extremely relevant and may help to understand the many complications that compromise pregnancy and fetal health. Known factors that may compromise the development of placenta and, consequently, the fetus include: nutrient deficiency, glycemic disorders, viral and bacterial infections, hypertensive disorders, smoking, alcoholism, and autoimmune diseases among many others. Zika virus infection (ZIKV) is strongly associated with the occurrence of microcephaly in newborns of mothers infected with this type of virus. In this context, it is important to consider that, in order to reach the cells of the fetal nervous system, viruses need to overcome the placental barrier, which is generally effective in preventing the passage of microorganisms from the maternal circulation to the embryo/fetus. Few treatments are effective in preventing vertical transmission during pregnancy, and new therapeutic strategies are under development to prevent vertical transmission of ZIKV and other pathogens. These studies require a better understanding of the mechanisms that these microorganisms use to cross the placental barrier and cause fetal disease. During the past years, our research group has investigated the protein A1a (ANXA1) in different models of inflammation and, more recently, that this protein has increased values in placenta explants infected with Brazilian ZIKV, and is also related to the proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in placental villi. Considering the various biological activities described for ANXA1, investigating the role of this protein in the trophoblast of ZIKV-infected placentas is extremely relevant for the understanding of the mechanisms involved in this infection and, mainly, it may be a treatment strategy. | |