CNPEM postgraduate student awarded at UNICAMP scientific exhibition

Student Julia Silva Souza, member of the Advanced Chromatography and Spectroscopy Group at LNBio/CNPEM and postgraduate at UNICAMP’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, won first place in the postgraduate category of the 10th Scientific Works Exhibition, held during the 20th Pharmacy Academic Week at UNICAMP.

Under the supervision of Silvana Aparecida Rocco and co-supervision of Gustavo Fernando Mercaldi, both researchers at CNPEM, Julia presented the work “Development of methionyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors in drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria”. The research is supported by FAPESP, through the student’s master’s scholarship (Process No. 2024/11146-0).

The study addresses one of the greatest public health challenges: multiple antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which compromises the effectiveness of several antibiotics. The research investigates quinazolinone derivatives as potential inhibitors of the bacterial methionyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme, essential for the protein synthesis process in these microorganisms.

According to advisor Silvana A. Rocco, “Julia’s achievement is a source of great pride for our group, as it reflects her commitment and dedication to a topic of high relevance to

public health”. “The development of new molecules against resistant bacteria represents a strategic and urgent front in current science”, she says.

For the student herself, the recognition also has strong personal and scientific significance. “Multiple antimicrobial resistance is an extremely important topic that requires continued study to prevent its spread. We are increasingly noticing an increase in cases of diseases caused by pathogens that present this condition, and it is through research and science that we will be able to control this situation. It is an honor to receive this award and I am very grateful to Unicamp, LNBio/CNPEM and my advisors Silvana and Gustavo for the opportunity to develop such an important project for the future of society”, highlights Julia.

Co-advisor Gustavo F. Mercaldi adds that “Julia’s achievement represents recognition of both the work she has been doing and the relevance of the topic to which she has dedicated herself”. “By addressing one of the greatest public health challenges — infections caused by bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics — the work reinforces our institution’s commitment to training highly qualified human resources engaged in strategic issues for the country”, he says.

To date, three initial compounds of the proposed synthetic route have been developed and characterized, confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques with high levels of purity and yield. The results indicate the viability of the strategy and pave the way for new stages of research aimed at creating innovative molecules with antimicrobial action.