Our group is mainly concerned with interactions between biomolecules and how those interactions between proteins and their ligands (substrates, inhibitors, and membranes) can lead to modulation of the protein function. Currently, we are working on 5 multidisciplinary projects: (1) Grasps and their partners, (2) Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation, (3) Photosensitizers, (4) Membrane Models, and (5) TMED proteins.
Our research interests in very broad terms as explained by Antonio Costa (video in Portuguese).
(1) Grasps and their partners
About the project: Here, we aim at understanding the structural behavior of proteins involved in the secretory pathways of the cell, in particular the so-called Golgi Reassembly and Stacking Proteins (GRASPs). The molecular mechanisms responsible for the functional properties of GRASPs remain poorly understood. Our project focuses mainly on investigating GRASP’s biochemical and biophysical characteristics and how they change in the presence of partner and/or upon changes in the surrounding medium.
Researchers: Luis Felipe Santos Mendes; Thirupathi Reddy Soudherpall; Natália Aparecida Fontan.a; Emanuel Kava; Ariane Duarte Rosse.
(2) Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS)
About the project: Define and characterize some liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins that we note on some cellular process (like secretion). This project intends to know how this process occurs, the structural stability of the proteins in phase separation and construct a micro-reactor with it.
Researchers: Thirupathi Reddy Soudherpall; Natália Aparecida Fontana; Nathan Nunes Evangelista.
(3) Photosensitizers
About the project: Development of radioluminescent nanoparticles (capable of converting the energy of ionizing radiation into photons of UV-visible light) for the activation of photosensitive proteins through X-rays.
Researchers: Mariana Chaves Micheletto; Anna Beatriz.
(4) Membrane Models
About the project: Here we focus on the action of integral membrane proteins in the early secretory pathway using crystallographic and non-crystallographic structural biology approaches, as well the transport mechanism of some membrane transporters.
Researchers: Luis Felipe Santos Mendes; Mariana Bunoro.
(5) TMED
About the project: TMEDs are Golgi-related proteins involved in the early steps of initial secretion. Once more, a combination of experimental methods are used to unravel structural and dynamics of TMEDs and how they impact its participation in the secretion pathway.
Researchers: Luis Felipe Santos Mendes; Danielly Mota; Letícia Alves; Ariane Duarte Rosse.