The Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) investigates the molecular biology of the etiological agents of Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and tuberculosis, among other diseases. His research projects include functional genomics of trypanosomatids and mycobacteria, as well as approaches in Bioinformatics.
The Laboratory was responsible for the complete genomic sequencing of the BCG Moreau Rio de Janeiro vaccine, used in Brazil, and operates in the development of techniques that enable the creation of safer and more effective recombinant vaccines for tuberculosis, and new drugs for neglected diseases.
In the area of functional genomics of mycobacteria, the group stands out for being part of the international effort to improve the BCG vaccine; the results of the comparative genomic analysis and proteomic mapping of the vaccine open perspectives for studies that aim to detail the functional impact of the differences found, contributing to a better understanding of the physiology of the Brazilian vaccine strain.
The researchers are also studying the functional genomics of trypanosomatids. In this area, research that analyzes potential new targets for chemotherapy, and also the signaling pathways for the transforming growth factor, TGF-b, in trypanosoma cruzi. The study proposes the evaluation of the effect of antifibrogenic drugs in experimental models of infection by T. cruzi vitro e in vivo. The group also performs the characterization of protein phosphorylation patterns in response to TGF-b through a proteomic approach and the identification of possible receptors for TGF-b in T. cruzi.
In the Bioinformatics approach, the development of the Genome Comparison Project stands out, which uses the idle capacity of personal computers of volunteers from all over the world, through a computing infrastructure distributed by the World Community Grid, to compare genomes of micro- organisms. The group also develops tools for modeling metabolic pathways, comparative structural analysis of enzymes, and the identification of specific enzymes and analogues as possible new targets for the development of drugs against neglected diseases.
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