Molecular characterization of the Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC7 from Leishmania infantum

• Grant number: 24/18743-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Damário Gomes
• Grantee: Giovanna da Costa Mancin
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02933-3 - Role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in proliferation, differentiation and infectivity of Leishmania infantum, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease, caused by the protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which represents a serious public health problem when left untreated. Ubiquitination is a protein post-translational modification process that plays an important role in regulating cellular functions (proteolysis, cell signaling, immune response), and may be an efficient therapeutic target for this disease. In a study by Burge, Rebecca, et al (2020) it was suggested that the UB-E2 Ubc7 gene from Leishmania mexicana is essential for parasite survive, however, the role of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Leishmania biology is still poorly understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the ubiquitin (E2) conjugating enzyme UBC7 from Leishmania infantum, an ortholog of human UBC7 (UBE2G2), in collaboration with Prof. Felipe R. Teixeira (UFSCAR, São Carlos). We therefore seek to understand the specific role of UBC7 in Leishmania infantum and its importance in the promastigote stage, using biochemical and structural approaches.