Managers of IOC and IFF representatives gathered at the opening table of the event. Photo: Rudson Amorim
This Thursday, October 30th, scientific cooperation between the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) and the Fernandes Figueira National Institute of Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (IFF/Fioc(ruz) was the theme of the activities of the 3rd act of the Symposium. IOC Jubilee 125 years.
The meeting highlighted the partnership between the Units in conducting research on rare diseases, precision medicine, immunology, and the diagnosis of arboviruses.
At the event, the website was launched. "Symposium IOC Jubilee 125 years", which brings together on a special page all the news content relating to the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of IOCThe website includes news articles, history, a timeline, photo galleries, videos, awards, and an events calendar.
The opening panel of the event was composed of managers from both Institutes. IOCThe meeting was attended by director Tania Araujo-Jorge and directors Luciana Lopes de Almeida Ribeiro Garzoni (Research, Technological Development and Innovation) and Eduardo de Mello Volotão (Reference Laboratories, Outpatient Clinics and Biological Collections). Representing IFF were Zilton Vasconcelos, Research Coordinator, and Tânia Wrobel, Head of the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center (CRFC).
Garzoni stressed that the FiocRuz stands out even more as a powerhouse when the units work together, and Volotão reinforced that the partnership relationship between IOC IFF has a long history, especially in studies on human genetics.
Vasconcelos stated that studies in cystic fibrosis are one of the strongest links between the two institutes. He also commented on the various professionals trained at the institute. IOC who work at IFF.
The head of CRFC corroborated Vasconcelos' statement and said that the partnership with the IOC In the field of cystic fibrosis, the research dates back to the 1990s. Director Tania Araújo-Jorge recalled that the IFF "was born" from the creation of the complex that is now the Fiocruz, in the 1970s, and stressed that the event highlights the grandeur of both Units.
The first lecture of the day was given by the IFF Research Coordinator, Zilton Vasconcelos. The theme was "Integration". IOC/IFF”, the expert highlighted the crucial role of people in cooperative relationships.
Among the historical highlights of the partnership, Zilton emphasized the work developed in the field of cystic fibrosis, based on research with researchers Pedro and Giselda Cabello, from the Human Genetics Laboratory, and Laurinda Yoko Higa, former head of the CRFC.
IFF Research Coordinator, Zilton, highlighted the main collaborations between the institutes. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Zilton also highlighted his partnership with scientist Vinicius Cotta de Almeida, from the Thymus Research Laboratory.
“I can say that this collaboration changed my life. It was during our studies that I had the pleasure of doing my post-doctoral work in France with the renowned scientist Loic Dupré,” he recalled.
"Since that period, we have dedicated ourselves to the training of human resources, promoting an international course, of a theoretical and practical nature, in lymphocyte motility that seeks to empower students to conduct research on immune function," he added.
Another area of intense partnership between the Units is in the search for answers to public health emergencies, such as the congenital Zika epidemic and Covid-19.
Check out the broadcast:
The institutes also unite the fields of Precision Medicine and Health, diagnosis of arboviruses such as dengue fever, and genetic diseases.
"Created in 2024, the F networkiocThe Rare Diseases Research Center [FioRaras] seeks to unite various research groups within the Foundation that are already conducting or wish to conduct studies in the field. The program aims to strengthen patient care, expand experimental, clinical, technological, and integrative work, and develop advanced therapies,” commented Zilton.
Regarding rare diseases, the session “Rare Diseases: From Cystic Fibrosis to Monogenic Diabetes” followed, featuring researchers Tânia Wrobel and Laurinda Higa, current and former heads of the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center at IFF, respectively, and Mário Campos, head of the Human Genetics Laboratory at [Institution Name - missing from original text]. IOC.
Providing a brief historical overview of cystic fibrosis, Laurinda commented that it began with the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989. This gene is crucial for maintaining mucus viscosity and fluid balance in organs such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to diseases like cystic fibrosis, where mucus becomes thick and causes respiratory and digestive problems.
Laurinda Higa headed the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center at IFF for over two decades.Scientists then faced numerous challenges, such as understanding the pathophysiology of the protein, understanding its clinical and laboratory manifestations, creating therapies and diagnostic tools, as well as training and developing professionals.
“Because it is a genetic disease, it was necessary to seek partnerships outside of IFF with scientists and institutions working in the field, such as UERJ, the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the Oswaldo Cruz Institute,” recalled Laurinda, who headed the CRFC from 1990 to 2014.
The specialist also commented on the start of diagnostic testing for the disease. The standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis is a sweat test, which measures the amount of salt.
To discuss the work done by the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center and some aspects of the disease, the current head of the CRFC, Tania Wrobel, explained that the Center, created in the 1960s, is the first cystic fibrosis service in the country.
“We were recognized as a national benchmark by the Ministry of Health in 2005. Currently, we play a prominent role in good health practices in assistance, research, and training of health professionals for the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) through medical and multiprofessional residency programs,” said Wrobel.
Tânia Wrobel discussed the main missions of CRFC. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Composed of an interdisciplinary team, the CRFC monitors more than 200 children and adolescents from across the state of Rio de Janeiro. The Center trains residents in pediatric pulmonology, promotes continuous communication with parent and caregiver associations, conducts research and innovations in health, and plays an important role in ensuring and maintaining patients' rights.
The head of the Human Genetics Laboratory at IOCMario Campos Junior gave a historical overview of the laboratory's creation and the beginning of studies related to cystic fibrosis.
He recalled participating in international events, establishing partnerships, and conducting the first molecular tests for screening and genotyping CFTR gene mutations.
Mario discussed studies related to cystic fibrosis. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The laboratory's work in FC began in 1994 as the subject of a master's thesis, whose initial objective was solely research, resulting in a single published article. In 2000, it became the subject of a doctoral thesis, with five published articles.
Starting in 2004, the team implemented molecular diagnostics, with a panel composed of 12 mutations identified in the population of Rio de Janeiro. Between 2005 and 2014, it began using new molecular tools, with a complete panel of 28 mutations. In 2015 and 2016, the laboratory was able to define and finalize the diagnosis of more than 180 patients.
To address the immunological aspects inherent to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), the Symposium welcomed researchers Tamires Azamor, from IFF, and Wilson Savino, from IOC.
Tamires Azamor, from IFF, explained the relationship between interferons types I and III and congenital Zika. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Tamires presented studies linking host genetic factors to SCZ, which began to be identified in Brazil from 2015 onwards.
The main genetic finding demonstrated that a polymorphism in the baby's interferon alpha receptor increased the risk of developing SCZ by more than 3 times.
The scientist also addressed the long-term effects in fetuses exposed to Zika but who did not develop apparent congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). These children exhibit delayed neuronal development and language problems.
In turn, Savino detailed studies that revealed that Zika can infect mononuclear blood cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes, in in vitro models.
Savino discussed the immune system's response to Zika and Covid-19. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The research detected thymus atrophy in fetuses. Analyses of thymic tissue revealed epithelial cells with immunoreactivity for Zika, suggesting in vivo infection.
Another study demonstrated that poverty, low education levels, and reduced wages were correlated with greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Savino highlighted that vaccination subsequently acted as a factor in reducing social inequality by lessening the impact of these variables.
In the afternoon, the session began with Roberta Soares, from IFF, and Paola Resende, from IOCThey presented the SIRAG-SIMP Kids and MISC network, a partnership between laboratories from both Units focused on the study of severe syndromes in children, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MISC), related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Roberta and Paola discussed viruses that affect children. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Roberta highlighted that the network involves groups from IOCThe group, from IFF and pediatric ICUs across the country, allows rapid access to samples and advances translational research. They have already analyzed samples from 30 MISC cases, identifying 35 new genes associated with the disease.
Paola presented the virological part of the project, focused on the surveillance of viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus. The researcher explained that the group seeks to understand how the pandemic influenced the dynamics of RSV in Brazil and highlighted the importance of collaboration with IFF and hospitals in generating data that support the development of antivirals.
The following session addressed the project “DetectArbo: innovation in arbovirus diagnosis”, presented by Leonardo Ferreira, from IFF, and Patrícia Sequeira, from IOCThe initiative develops a molecular method for the detection and differentiation of arboviruses. The partnership arose from research on dengue fever and reinforces the link between basic research and clinical care.
Leonardo and Patrícia explained about the kit that detects and differentiates arboviruses. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The highlight was the dengue multiplex kit, capable of identifying the four serotypes of the virus and distinguishing lineages in biological samples, reducing costs and analysis time. While current conventional methods cost around R$ 200 to R$ 600 per sample, the new test has an estimated cost of R$ 50 and delivers results in up to four hours. Patrícia emphasized the potential of the innovation to strengthen surveillance and support the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System).
Closing the event, the "Short Communication" session brought together three presentations with results from ongoing research on monogenic diabetes, Zika virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Deborah Snaider, a master's student at IOCShe presented the study “Developing MODY: when DNA reveals new pathways for diabetes diagnosis.” She explained that MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is a rare, inherited type of diabetes, usually diagnosed in adolescents or young adults. The project aims to track genetic variants associated with MODY in Brazilian patients, contributing to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Luana, Débora, and Daniela concluded the program on October 30th. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Next, Daniela Cunha, from IFF, presented a study on the impact of Zika virus detection in the placenta, conducted with 65 pregnant women treated at the Institute. The research identified that the viral load is higher in the placenta than in the mother's blood and analyzed the persistence of the virus and its relationship with the occurrence of congenital Zika-associated syndrome.
Closing the session, Luana Reis, from IFF, shared partial results from her thesis “Clinical, epidemiological and genomic investigation of RSV infection in pediatric patients in Rio de Janeiro (2018–2024)”. Forty sequenced samples were analyzed, and the data indicated that the most affected group is infants (babies or children who are still breastfeeding).
According to Luana, before the pandemic there was a well-defined seasonality in SARI-RSV infections, with regular peaks in cases, but after the pandemic period, a reduction and shift in seasonality was observed. The preliminary conclusion indicates that the pandemic influenced the clinical, epidemiological, and genetic profile of RSV, reinforcing the importance of integrating clinical and genomic surveillance to guide immunization and prevention strategies.
Managers of IOC and IFF representatives gathered at the opening table of the event. Photo: Rudson Amorim
This Thursday, October 30th, scientific cooperation between the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) and the Fernandes Figueira National Institute of Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (IFF/Fioc(ruz) was the theme of the activities of the 3rd act of the Symposium. IOC Jubilee 125 years.
The meeting highlighted the partnership between the Units in conducting research on rare diseases, precision medicine, immunology, and the diagnosis of arboviruses.
At the event, the website was launched. "Symposium IOC Jubilee 125 years", which brings together on a special page all the news content relating to the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of IOCThe website includes news articles, history, a timeline, photo galleries, videos, awards, and an events calendar.
The opening panel of the event was composed of managers from both Institutes. IOCThe meeting was attended by director Tania Araujo-Jorge and directors Luciana Lopes de Almeida Ribeiro Garzoni (Research, Technological Development and Innovation) and Eduardo de Mello Volotão (Reference Laboratories, Outpatient Clinics and Biological Collections). Representing IFF were Zilton Vasconcelos, Research Coordinator, and Tânia Wrobel, Head of the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center (CRFC).
Garzoni stressed that the FiocRuz stands out even more as a powerhouse when the units work together, and Volotão reinforced that the partnership relationship between IOC IFF has a long history, especially in studies on human genetics.
Vasconcelos stated that studies in cystic fibrosis are one of the strongest links between the two institutes. He also commented on the various professionals trained at the institute. IOC who work at IFF.
The head of CRFC corroborated Vasconcelos' statement and said that the partnership with the IOC In the field of cystic fibrosis, the research dates back to the 1990s. Director Tania Araújo-Jorge recalled that the IFF "was born" from the creation of the complex that is now the Fiocruz, in the 1970s, and stressed that the event highlights the grandeur of both Units.
The first lecture of the day was given by the IFF Research Coordinator, Zilton Vasconcelos. The theme was "Integration". IOC/IFF”, the expert highlighted the crucial role of people in cooperative relationships.
Among the historical highlights of the partnership, Zilton emphasized the work developed in the field of cystic fibrosis, based on research with researchers Pedro and Giselda Cabello, from the Human Genetics Laboratory, and Laurinda Yoko Higa, former head of the CRFC.
IFF Research Coordinator, Zilton, highlighted the main collaborations between the institutes. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Zilton also highlighted his partnership with scientist Vinicius Cotta de Almeida, from the Thymus Research Laboratory.
“I can say that this collaboration changed my life. It was during our studies that I had the pleasure of doing my post-doctoral work in France with the renowned scientist Loic Dupré,” he recalled.
"Since that period, we have dedicated ourselves to the training of human resources, promoting an international course, of a theoretical and practical nature, in lymphocyte motility that seeks to empower students to conduct research on immune function," he added.
Another area of intense partnership between the Units is in the search for answers to public health emergencies, such as the congenital Zika epidemic and Covid-19.
Check out the broadcast:
The institutes also unite the fields of Precision Medicine and Health, diagnosis of arboviruses such as dengue fever, and genetic diseases.
"Created in 2024, the F networkiocThe Rare Diseases Research Center [FioRaras] seeks to unite various research groups within the Foundation that are already conducting or wish to conduct studies in the field. The program aims to strengthen patient care, expand experimental, clinical, technological, and integrative work, and develop advanced therapies,” commented Zilton.
Regarding rare diseases, the session “Rare Diseases: From Cystic Fibrosis to Monogenic Diabetes” followed, featuring researchers Tânia Wrobel and Laurinda Higa, current and former heads of the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center at IFF, respectively, and Mário Campos, head of the Human Genetics Laboratory at [Institution Name - missing from original text]. IOC.
Providing a brief historical overview of cystic fibrosis, Laurinda commented that it began with the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989. This gene is crucial for maintaining mucus viscosity and fluid balance in organs such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to diseases like cystic fibrosis, where mucus becomes thick and causes respiratory and digestive problems.
Laurinda Higa headed the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center at IFF for over two decades.Scientists then faced numerous challenges, such as understanding the pathophysiology of the protein, understanding its clinical and laboratory manifestations, creating therapies and diagnostic tools, as well as training and developing professionals.
“Because it is a genetic disease, it was necessary to seek partnerships outside of IFF with scientists and institutions working in the field, such as UERJ, the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the Oswaldo Cruz Institute,” recalled Laurinda, who headed the CRFC from 1990 to 2014.
The specialist also commented on the start of diagnostic testing for the disease. The standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis is a sweat test, which measures the amount of salt.
To discuss the work done by the Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center and some aspects of the disease, the current head of the CRFC, Tania Wrobel, explained that the Center, created in the 1960s, is the first cystic fibrosis service in the country.
“We were recognized as a national benchmark by the Ministry of Health in 2005. Currently, we play a prominent role in good health practices in assistance, research, and training of health professionals for the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) through medical and multiprofessional residency programs,” said Wrobel.
Tânia Wrobel discussed the main missions of CRFC. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Composed of an interdisciplinary team, the CRFC monitors more than 200 children and adolescents from across the state of Rio de Janeiro. The Center trains residents in pediatric pulmonology, promotes continuous communication with parent and caregiver associations, conducts research and innovations in health, and plays an important role in ensuring and maintaining patients' rights.
The head of the Human Genetics Laboratory at IOCMario Campos Junior gave a historical overview of the laboratory's creation and the beginning of studies related to cystic fibrosis.
He recalled participating in international events, establishing partnerships, and conducting the first molecular tests for screening and genotyping CFTR gene mutations.
Mario discussed studies related to cystic fibrosis. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The laboratory's work in FC began in 1994 as the subject of a master's thesis, whose initial objective was solely research, resulting in a single published article. In 2000, it became the subject of a doctoral thesis, with five published articles.
Starting in 2004, the team implemented molecular diagnostics, with a panel composed of 12 mutations identified in the population of Rio de Janeiro. Between 2005 and 2014, it began using new molecular tools, with a complete panel of 28 mutations. In 2015 and 2016, the laboratory was able to define and finalize the diagnosis of more than 180 patients.
To address the immunological aspects inherent to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), the Symposium welcomed researchers Tamires Azamor, from IFF, and Wilson Savino, from IOC.
Tamires Azamor, from IFF, explained the relationship between interferons types I and III and congenital Zika. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Tamires presented studies linking host genetic factors to SCZ, which began to be identified in Brazil from 2015 onwards.
The main genetic finding demonstrated that a polymorphism in the baby's interferon alpha receptor increased the risk of developing SCZ by more than 3 times.
The scientist also addressed the long-term effects in fetuses exposed to Zika but who did not develop apparent congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). These children exhibit delayed neuronal development and language problems.
In turn, Savino detailed studies that revealed that Zika can infect mononuclear blood cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes, in in vitro models.
Savino discussed the immune system's response to Zika and Covid-19. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The research detected thymus atrophy in fetuses. Analyses of thymic tissue revealed epithelial cells with immunoreactivity for Zika, suggesting in vivo infection.
Another study demonstrated that poverty, low education levels, and reduced wages were correlated with greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Savino highlighted that vaccination subsequently acted as a factor in reducing social inequality by lessening the impact of these variables.
In the afternoon, the session began with Roberta Soares, from IFF, and Paola Resende, from IOCThey presented the SIRAG-SIMP Kids and MISC network, a partnership between laboratories from both Units focused on the study of severe syndromes in children, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MISC), related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Roberta and Paola discussed viruses that affect children. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Roberta highlighted that the network involves groups from IOCThe group, from IFF and pediatric ICUs across the country, allows rapid access to samples and advances translational research. They have already analyzed samples from 30 MISC cases, identifying 35 new genes associated with the disease.
Paola presented the virological part of the project, focused on the surveillance of viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus. The researcher explained that the group seeks to understand how the pandemic influenced the dynamics of RSV in Brazil and highlighted the importance of collaboration with IFF and hospitals in generating data that support the development of antivirals.
The following session addressed the project “DetectArbo: innovation in arbovirus diagnosis”, presented by Leonardo Ferreira, from IFF, and Patrícia Sequeira, from IOCThe initiative develops a molecular method for the detection and differentiation of arboviruses. The partnership arose from research on dengue fever and reinforces the link between basic research and clinical care.
Leonardo and Patrícia explained about the kit that detects and differentiates arboviruses. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The highlight was the dengue multiplex kit, capable of identifying the four serotypes of the virus and distinguishing lineages in biological samples, reducing costs and analysis time. While current conventional methods cost around R$ 200 to R$ 600 per sample, the new test has an estimated cost of R$ 50 and delivers results in up to four hours. Patrícia emphasized the potential of the innovation to strengthen surveillance and support the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System).
Closing the event, the "Short Communication" session brought together three presentations with results from ongoing research on monogenic diabetes, Zika virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Deborah Snaider, a master's student at IOCShe presented the study “Developing MODY: when DNA reveals new pathways for diabetes diagnosis.” She explained that MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is a rare, inherited type of diabetes, usually diagnosed in adolescents or young adults. The project aims to track genetic variants associated with MODY in Brazilian patients, contributing to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Luana, Débora, and Daniela concluded the program on October 30th. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Next, Daniela Cunha, from IFF, presented a study on the impact of Zika virus detection in the placenta, conducted with 65 pregnant women treated at the Institute. The research identified that the viral load is higher in the placenta than in the mother's blood and analyzed the persistence of the virus and its relationship with the occurrence of congenital Zika-associated syndrome.
Closing the session, Luana Reis, from IFF, shared partial results from her thesis “Clinical, epidemiological and genomic investigation of RSV infection in pediatric patients in Rio de Janeiro (2018–2024)”. Forty sequenced samples were analyzed, and the data indicated that the most affected group is infants (babies or children who are still breastfeeding).
According to Luana, before the pandemic there was a well-defined seasonality in SARI-RSV infections, with regular peaks in cases, but after the pandemic period, a reduction and shift in seasonality was observed. The preliminary conclusion indicates that the pandemic influenced the clinical, epidemiological, and genetic profile of RSV, reinforcing the importance of integrating clinical and genomic surveillance to guide immunization and prevention strategies.
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