The PMBqBM has 4 research lines:

1. Biochemistry in pathological states: The study of chronic and degenerative diseases enables the elucidation of biochemical routes that make up integrative mechanisms of cell signaling and can pave the way for the identification of therapeutic targets for various diseases.

2. Biotechnology: Biotechnology is an example of the inter and transdisciplinarity of current science, as it results from the combination of disciplines such as genetics, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, information technology, robotics, among others. Current areas of biotechnology comprise the production of biofuels, the prospection of molecules of technological interest, the production of vaccines and products for use in diagnostics, among others. Thus, the proposal involves the screening of organisms that produce molecules of technological interest, such as: hydrolytic enzymes (hemicellulases, xylanases, cellulases, amylases, proteases, among others); antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor compounds; biosurfactants; etc. Especially with regard to biofuels, the proposal involves obtaining enzymes involved in the degradation of sugars present in biomass

3. Functional genomics: In the current post-genomic era, the advent of a series of methodologies for large-scale functional studies, such as methods based on new generation DNA sequencing or on new proteomic technologies, allows more complex studies on the regulation of gene expression to be carried out of organisms in the face of different conditions. The genome of a set of microbiota found in a given habitat is called a metagenome. One of the advantages of metagenomics is that the study independent of the isolation and cultivation of microorganisms in that habitat. This approach consists of extracting DNA directly from the environment and building a metagenomic library with this mixed genome, allowing the identification of genes from unknown organisms.

4. Cellular mediators: Cell signaling comprises a complex communication system that governs the coordination of cellular activities and functions. The ability of cells to respond to different stimuli in the environment forms the basis for cell development, growth and differentiation. The role of mediators involved in cell signaling resulting from cell-cell interaction, cell-extracellular matrix, cell-nucleus-organelle surface processes is fundamental for understanding the normal functioning of the cells that make up living beings. Communication between cells can occur through direct contact or through chemical signals carried by substances such as neurotransmitters, hormones, nucleotides. The understanding of how these mediators act is fundamental for the search for compounds with different activities, such as antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anticancer and anticoagulant agents.

Última atualização: 12/04/2021