Functional Genetics Lab

 

RESEARCH GROUP’S MISSION

 

The main objective of the Functional Genetics Laboratory is the characterization of the host-pathogen interactions in systemic fungal infections. The genetic manipulations in pathogenic microorganisms, specifically in metabolic pathways like cellular signaling, contribute to the knowledge of how pathogens interact to mammalian hosts and, moreover, how hosts recognize pathogens during infections. In another area, LGF also has great interest in the host-pathogen interactions on leprosy, through the characterization of chemokines and miRNAs that control the immune response in the polar clinical forms of the disease. Also in leprosy, we evaluate the macrophage polarization profile associated to the clinical forms of the disease. 

 

 

TEAM

 

 

 

Coordinator

 

           

  Dr. Frederico Marianetti Soriani

 

 Is an associated professor in the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Biologia Geral - area Genetics. Has experience in Biochemistry of Microorganisms, focusing on Molecular Biology, working with functional genetics in the characterization of intracellular signalling pathways in model organisms. Is interested in intracellular calcium homeostasis, calcium transport and cell signalling in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. He is developing a research aiming to functional characterize of genes related to the TOR kinase signaling pathway in the pathogenic fungi A. fumigatus, also characterizing the host-pathogen interactions. Besides, the laboratory is developing other projects focusing the characterization of molecular mechanisms (miRNAs, chemokines and macrophage polarization) involved in the development of the clinical forms of leprosy.

 

 

Students       

 

 

 

Undergraduated   

 

 

Pedro Henrique Ferreira Sucupira

 

 

Thiago Mares