Laboratory projects
The response mechanisms of protozoan parasites to situations found in the hosts are not well known. This understanding can help to identify new chemotherapeutic targets and on the comprehension of the mechanisms that lead to pathogenesis.
Our group has studied for last several years how protein synthesis is regulated in Trypanosoma under stressing conditions. In our laboratory we are currently investigating the protein kinases involved in the stress response and how this signaling process controls differentiation and survival of parasites in side their hosts. These are the kinases involved in the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2).
Our group also study the protein deacetylases and the role of protein acetylation in the growth control of Trypanosomes. We focus our investigation on the metabolic control and ond the oxidative responses of the parasite.