Objective
The present project focuses on deeply comprehending the molecular basis of glycan recognition events by key protein receptors at atomic level, directly connected to processes related to immune response, infection and cancer. We will elucidate using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and other biophysical techniques the binding preferences of the recognition event between GD3 ganglioside and the Spike proteins of OC43 and HKU1 human coronavirus (HCoV) variants, along with Siglec-7. The role of Siglec-7 in inhibiting the HCoV viral infection will also be addressed. This research will make a significant and direct contribution by unveiling the roles of glycosylation patterns and cell receptors in HCoV infection mechanisms.
Dr. Bermejo, the applicant, defended her PhD Thesis almost five years ago and was awarded a MSCA-IF fellowship for the past three years. During this time she has grown into an excellent researcher in chemical biology, possessing practical experience in organic and peptide synthesis, drug design, lipid nanoparticles formulation, cell culture and binding assays. Through the awarding of this fellowship she will join the lab of Prof. Jesus Jiménez-Barbero the Scientific Director of the host institution (CIC bioGUNE) and Leader of the Chemical Glycobiology lab. He is one of the best-known scientists in glycan research at the national and international levels.
Thanks to this action, Dr. Bermejo will consolidate her multidisciplinary scientific proficiency, acquiring new competences in enzymatic synthesis and protein expression and purification and trend setting NMR concepts and techniques. She will contribute to the host with her expertise in glycan and glycoconjugates synthesis, and will bring her expertise in liposomal formulation, setting up a microfluidics device within the group.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinemedicinal chemistry
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusescoronaviruses
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydrates
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
48160 DERIO VIZCAYA
Spain