LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR PARASITOLOGY

The main point of interest of this laboratory is centered on genes and proteins of Tripanosoma cruzi relevant for its virulence and ability to infectand persist in the host. In order to achieve this aim, we have used proteomic approaches and, from the results obtained, selected possible virulence factors and pharmacological targets for the tratment of Chagas’ disease. We have particularly focused our work on oxidative stress and to a lesser extent in glycobiological features. We have characterized several genes and proteins exclusive of trypanosomatids (pteridin-reductase, cytosolic and mitochondrial triparedoxin reductases and glycosiltransferases related to infectivity) both from structural and functional points of view.

In the last years we have started to analyze this kind of molecules (proxyredoxins and glycosiltransferases) in human tumoral models, which has led us to find specific mechanisms in tumoral cells.

 

 

Members of the team from the Biochemistry Department

 

 

 

Dr. Carlos Robello

 

Dr. Dolores Piñeyro

 

MSc. Talia Arcari

 

MSc. María Laura Chiribao