Study of the transplacental capacity of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in ex vivo human placental perfusion models

• Grant number: 25/07149-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: December 20, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Grantee: Isabela Caroline dos Santos
• Supervisor: Udo Markert
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitätsklinikum Jena, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/16030-8 - STUDY OF TERATOGENICITY INDUCED BY THE SCORPION Tityus serrulatus VENOM IN AN ALTERNATIVE EMBRYONIC MODEL, BP.MS

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a significant public health issue in Brazil, with Tityus serrulatus responsible for the majority of severe cases. Despite the increasing number of incidents, particularly in urban areas, the effects of scorpion venom on maternal and fetal health remain poorly understood. Given its ability to trigger intense immunological and inflammatory responses, the venom may pose additional risks during pregnancy, potentially affecting embryonic development, placental function, and leading to adverse gestational outcomes. This project aims to investigate the ability of Tityus serrulatus venom to cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus using ex vivo human placental perfusion models. Additionally, a placenta-on-a-chip (PoC) model will be employed to replicate the maternal-fetal interface and evaluate the transfer of scorpion venom across the placental barrier in a controlled microphysiological environment. Experimental activities will be conducted at the Placenta Lab of Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Udo Markert, an international reference in reproductive immunology. Through the application of unilateral and bilateral placental perfusion techniques, as well as the PoC platform, the project seeks to assess the transplacental transfer of scorpion venom, contributing to a better understanding of the risks associated with envenomation during pregnancy. This international collaboration will foster scientific and technical exchange, as well as support the consolidation of advanced experimental models within the Brazilian research context.