Subtle alterations triggered by nanoparticles \analyzed by image-based multiparametric single-cell profiling

• Grant number: 22/01483-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: June 30, 2022
• End date: June 29, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Enzymology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
• Grantee: Fernanda Garcia Fóssa
• Supervisor: Anne Carpenter Van Dyk
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Broad Institute, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/24033-1 - Subtle alterations triggered by nanoparticles analyzed by image-based multiparametric single-cell profiling, BP.DR

Abstract

Nanomaterials are present in everyday life, in households, and in medical products. The widespread distribution of nanomaterials in the environment has led to accumulation in water and biosolids. Consequently, this leads to human exposure at low concentrations, resulting in toxicity from lifetime exposure. However, nanotoxicity has focused on cell death caused by high concentrations of nanomaterials. Therefore, our project aims to study the subtle alterations triggered by exposure to nanoparticles at more relevant environmental conditions (i.e., low concentrations). To detect these changes, we will analyze the phenotypic profile generated from cells treated with nanoparticles using image-based multiparametric single-cell analysis. The analysis and grouping of these parameters are done using image processing, image-based profiling, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. To develop this front-to-end analytical pipeline, we apply for a twelve-month internship in Dr. Anne Carpenter's laboratory at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Carpenter's Lab. has extensive experience in image processing and image-based profiling, as demonstrated by the development of CellProfiler and CellProfiler Analyst, which are used by researchers around the world. The long-term goal of this project is to implement a platform to assess the effect of nanoparticles on cells through image-based single-cell profiling to allow for the continuity of this research within the Institute of Biology at the University of Campinas. The platform will identify subtle changes caused by a variety of nanoparticles and contribute to the risk assessment and theoretical basis for developing therapeutic management strategies. (AU)