We study processes and factors involved in the control of gene expression in the protozoan parasite Leishmania. We use large-scale approaches and reverse genetics tools to contribute to the understanding of the parasite biology and its interaction with the mammalian host. We are currently investigating a group of non- protein coding transcripts (ncRNAs) which are differentially expressed during development aiming to understand the biogenesis of these transcripts and their possible involvement in the control of expression of other genes. In addition, we seek to understand the role of enzymes that act indirectly over the modulation gene expression. These proteins are Arginine Methyl Transferases (PRMTs) that transfer methyl groups to arginine residues in specific domains modifying different groups of proteins including histones and RNA binding proteins, which are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Arginine methylation may modify stability, interactions and function of the target proteins.

The laboratory of Molecular Parasitology integrates the UK:Brazil Joint Centre Partnership in Leishmaniasis – JCPiL, a project led by Professor Jeremy Mottram, Director of York Biomedical Research Institute (YBRI), and by Professor Angela Cruz of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School. The project is funded by the Newton Fund and FAPESP (2019-2024). The JCPiL brings together colleagues from the Universities of York, Durham and Glasgow in the UK and São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Piauí in Brazil (https://jcpileish.org/).