Laboratories

Laboratory for Research Teaching (LRT)

The LRT is a new lab of 36,8 m2 equipped with research infrastructure in molecular and cellular biology that is been used for the development of introductory research projects by basic schools teachers and students.

 

 

 

 


Cellular Culture

The Cellular Culture Lab. performs researches on mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic and endothelial progenitor cells. These basic studies of biological characterization of mesenchymal stem cells contribute to the investigation of their clinical use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

The Laboratory also performs researches to verify the expansion capacity of in vitro hematopoietic progenitor cells and the differentiation potential in dendritic cells.

The evaluation of the vasculogenic potential of endothelial cells EPC is also investigated. These preclinical studies collaborate with the characterization concerning the revascularization potential of an injured organ after vascular trauma such as ischemia or myocardial infarction.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Profa. Dra. Kamilla Swiech Antonietto


Cell Therapy Lab

Cellular Biology

The Laboratory conducts research on somatic stem cells, also known as adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic and endothelial progenitor cells. These studies comprise the isolation, culture, expansion and the functional and immunophenotypical characterization of these cells, contributing to a better understanding of the potential clinical usage. The Laboratory also performs assay of spontaneous formation of erythroid colonies to help the Polycythemia Vera diagnosis.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Dra. Maristela Delgado Orellana

   

Cryobiology Laboratory

The main function is to cryopreserve the cells for transplantation. The products which contain hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) such as bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and mobilized peripheral blood are processed to keep their biological function until the moment of use, what may happen years after the collection. The cell products are mixed with a cryoprotective solution, and then, the cell suspension is exposed progressively to lower temperatures until it reaches -80 to -100 ºC, then it is transferred to a container with liquid nitrogen (storage at -160 ºC) or to mechanic freezers (-80 to -150 ºC).

In addition to the cryopreservation, this Laboratory processes bone marrow with the purpose to reduce the volume of plasma and/or red blood cells in a context of ABO incompatibility.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Dr. Gil Cunha de Santis

 

Umbilical Cord Bank

The umbilical cord blood (UCB), for being rich in hematopoietic stem cells, may be an alternative source for transplants, instead of bone marrow, mainly for those patients without donors in the family. For this reason, a public bank network of umbilical cord blood, named BrasilCord, has been implemented in Brazil, providing medical care for the Brazilian. It consists of 12 banks spread in the five regions of the country.

At present, banks from Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), and Regional Blood Center of the General Hospital of the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (CRH – HCFMRP/USP) have taken part in this network. The last three ones, through a partnership, established the RedeCord, which is a public network of the UCBB from the state of São Paulo.

The umbilical cord blood is collected after the childbirth, stored in special bags, evaluated through various patterns, such as the amount of cell, contamination by infectious agents, and so on. Once the analysis has been done, the units of UCB in accordance with the current rules are processed and stored in a container with liquid nitrogen.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Dr. Gil Cunha de Santis


Cytogenetics and Immunofluorescence

The Laboratory works on two main fields: 1) Molecular and Classical Cytogenetics (FISH) over oncohematological diseases (CML and multiple myeloma) and solid tumors (gliomas), and 2) the investigation of the cytogenetical  behavior of stem cells of adults expanded in vitro and their behavior in vivo.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Patricia Vianna Bonini Palma


Flow Cytometry

Through the flow cytometry technique, the Laboratory performs testing such as quantification lymphocyte subpopulations of HIV patients, progenitor stem cells quantification for allogeneic or autologous transplant, platelet syndromes determination, peripheral blood subpopulation quantification, and other methodologies. This technique allows the measurement of the chemical and physical characteristics in particles or in cells in suspension.

The Laboratory also supports researches performed on mesenchymal, endothelial, and dendritic cells. The Laboratory has the Flow Cytometer, which is able to perform the “cell sorter” (separation of subpopulation), to perform simultaneous analyses on seven different fluorescences.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Patricia Vianna Bonini Palma

  


Gene Transfer

The Gene Transfer Laboratory conducts researches on two main fields and a third one on embryonic stem cells has been recently initiated. The first field is the development of a bioprocess for the production of recombinant coagulation proteins for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B.
At present, the main challenges are the large-scale production of these proteins through bioreactor techniques and the development of animal models for hemophilia using cell-based therapy.
The second field of the research is the evaluation of therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and pericytes, in particular the angiogenic characteristics and immunologic potentials. Both properties are evaluated by real time PCR and by the development of in vivo assay using NOD-scid mice for human stem cell engraftment. Also, the Institution developed two mouse tumor models to investigate the role of MSC in the tumor microenvironment. In this second field, the current challenge is the characterization of more primitive MSC to understand the molecules and signaling pathways involved in vascular lineage commitment which will contribute to design effective stem cell-based therapies.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Dra. Virginia Picanço e Castro


Molecular Genetics 

Genomics and Bioinformatics

The major focus of our group is to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in genetic diseases and cancer development. We are using whole genomic analysis to identify and characterize genetic program/gene pathways that drive tumorigenic processes, and biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic orientation. We are also interested in the characterization of biological properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which present self-renewal capacity, unlimited proliferative potential, differentiation competence, and are extremely resistant to radio and chemotherapies. For this purpose, we are applying next generation sequencing in order to profile gene expression, characterize epigenetic alterations, detect chromosomal rearrangements, and single nucleotide variations in coding and regulatory gene regions (RNAseq, ChIP-Seq, DNA methylation, Exome, and Paired-End protocols) in several solid tumors including: head and neck carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme and osteosarcoma.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Wilson A. Silva Jr.

Managers: (MG) Kamila Peroni and (GB) Raul Torrieri

 

 

 

 

 


Molecular Biology

The Molecular Biology Laboratory performs researches on the diagnosis and molecular characterization for human retroviruses such as HIV, HTLV and hepatitis. During the last years, it has improved the investigation area, including researches related to stem cells properties and their modifications, erythrocyte antigens genotyping and gene polymorphism analyses.

The Laboratory, through Molecular Biology techniques, has the purpose of producing and developing tools for the diagnosis and therapy in areas such as Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy (molecular diagnosis of human retroviral infections, blood group genotyping).

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Dra. Simone Kashima Haddad


Protein Chemistry Center

The Protein Chemistry Center develops several studies on function-structure of proteins in experimental model of cancer (using cell lineages and small animals) and human stem cells. The aim of these studies is to offer means to clear up the role of macromolecules (proteins) either in physiologic and pathologic processes. The goal of the research is the discovery of new biomarkers of diseases like cancer for early diagnosis and new targets for therapy development.
In stem cells, the Center develops research to understand the cell differentiation in different types of tissues which will be used in the future for regenerative medicine. These studies have been developed by using techniques such as dimensional electrophoresis, capillary liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
In addition, the Center develops an important service for the community in the amino acid analysis offering support to the General Hospital (FMRP-USP) and Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) for the diagnosis of inborn metabolism errors (phenylketonury, tyrosinemy, etc.).

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Lewis Joel Greene


HLA Genotyping Lab


The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Laboratory provides histocompatibility testing for kidney and bone marrow transplants, working 24h a day. Donor-recipient pairs are analyzed for HLA antigens compatibility. The HLA Laboratory performs compatibility testing for: 1) all cadaver donors of São Paulo State; 2) living kidney and bone marrow donors (family members) for transplantation in the University Hospital of Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo; 3) volunteer donor banks of bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, REDOME and Brasilcord respectively, which are centralized at the Instituto Nacional do Câncer of Rio de Janeiro.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Eduardo Antônio Donadi

Manager: Neifi Hassan Saloum Deghaide


Hematology

Our laboratory is interested in the study of human telomere diseases. We are trying to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which short and dysfunctional telomeres lead to adult stem cell failure, fibrotic diseases, and cancer. For this purpose, we use telomerase-deficient murine models and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to model disease and to identify abnormal pathways derived from deficient telomere repair. We also screen patient samples for telomere length and mutations in novel genes that may be associated with telomere biology.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Rodrigo T. Calado


Molecular Morphophysiology and Development

The Molecular Morphophysiology and Development Laboratory (LMMD), located in Pirassununga (100 km from Ribeirão Preto), is part of the Basic Sciences Department at the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA) – University of São Paulo (USP). Established on April/2001 with the sponsor and leadership of Prof. Dr. Flávio V. Meirelles, the LMMD currently congregates 9 associated researchers (professors and post-doc fellowships) forming a team-based collaborative research group. The collective aims of the research developed at the LMMD include the understanding of mechanisms of embryo development and pluripotent cell biology, nuclear reprogramming and cytoplasmic inheritance.

In an area of approximately 400 m², with NB1 biossecurity level, the facilities include: (a) complete structure for in vitro production of embryos in a broad range of domestic species, including equipment for embryo and gamete micromanipulation (composed of inverted epifluorescence microscope equipped with micromanipulators, Narishige microinjectors, FemtoJet® microinjector, electrofusion system and Piezo Drill); as well as embryo and cell in vitro culture systems with controlled atmosphere;

 

 

 

 

(b) facilities for cell analysis, composed of flow cytometer (BD FACSaria) with blue (488nm) and near UV (375nm) lasers and cell sorter for immunophenotyping, apoptosis, cell cycle, post-translation protein modification assays; fluorometer for ATP content, calcium and enzymatic activity assays; and epifluorescence microscope for photodocumentation;

 

 

 

 

(c) molecular biology facility composed of Real Time PCR (Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast) equipped with High Resolution Melting, Nanodrop 2000, Bioanalyser 2100, thermocyclers, electrophoresis system and 2D gel scanner.

 

 

 

 

The LMMD facilities also include a research laboratory annex to the Veterinary Hospital of FZEA, currently under construction, with an area of 149.5 m² where will be installed the transgenesis, recombinant proteins and cell therapy laboratories. This laboratory will be part of the Experimental Veterinary Hospital dedicated to Innovative Therapies (Unidade Experimental Clínico Hospitalar de Medicina Veterinária) funded by FINEP (Finep Project 01.10.0023.00), that will allow the development of preclinical tests using domestic animals as models.

 

 

 

 

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Flávio V. Meirelles

Manager: Dra. Fabiana Fernandes Bressan


Laboratory for Molecular Genetics

The Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, at the Bioscience Institute, University of Sao Paulo, works with pluripotent stem cells for both basic and applied research. We have established lines of human ESCs in different culture conditions in order to study the epigenetic state of the X chromosome in early human embryonic development. In addition, we explore the use of hiPSCs to (1) model diseases, and (2) to be used in in vitro clinical trials. Towards the latter, we have established a library of hiPSCs representing the genetic admixture of the Brazilian population.

Finally, our laboratory includes The National Laboratory for Embryonic Stem Cells (LaNCE), a GMP facility for the establishment of new lines of clinical grade hESCs/hiPSCs. We are part of the Global Aliance for hiPSC Therapies (GAiT), an internation consortium to establish a bank of clinical grade hiPSCs whith homozigous haplotypes for HLA genes.

Principal Investigator: Profa. Dra. Lygia V. Pereira

Manager: Dra. Mariana Marques Morato


Laboratory of Experimental Animal Studies

In the laboratory, mice (Mus musculus) from various Genetically Modified and Non-Genetically Modified strains are produced and maintained for the purpose of biomedical scientific research. The physical space has equipment structure, constructive and human aspects to maintain the SPF (Specified Pathogen Free) sanitary status of the animals. Equipment is available such as barrier autoclaves, central air conditioning with humidity control, adequate air exchange and filtration, sonicator for sanitizing water fountain nozzles, reverse osmosis, exchange booths, ventilated positive pressure racks and HEPA filter, pass-through, and more.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Eduargo Magalhães Rego

Manager: Ma. Cleide Lúcia Araújo da Silva



Laboratory of Large-Scale Functional Biology – LLSFBio

The LLSFBio investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying different biological processes in normal and pathological contexts, using modern molecular and cellular biology techniques; including, microarray-based genome-wide functional genomic experiments and automated quantitative fluorescence microscopy or High-Content Screening-HCS. Among our interests, we can highlight: The characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) derived from different tissues 1, 2 and their relationship to other cell types 3. The immunomodulatory mechanisms mediated by MSCs, including, Adenosine production mediated by CD73 and CD39 4, 5; induction of T regulatory cells (Tregs) 6 and modulation by Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) 7, 8.

The molecular characteristics of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) derived from Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Blood 9, 10. The regulatory mechanisms acting during in vitro generation of T-lymphocytes 11 or induced Tregs 12. The study of aberrant pathways and processes in Hematological Diseases, such as, Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) 13, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) 14 and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) 15 and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) 16. Finally, we have recently started to explore the roles of microRNAs on pluripotency and differentiation of human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) and embryonal carcinoma cells, as well as in the context of somatic cell reprograming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) 17.

See the references.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dimas Tadeu Covas

Manager: Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Alexandre Panepucci

 

Laboratories:
  Laboratory of Cryobiology I – (71 m²): this unit has areas of support, freezing and storage of hematopoietic progenitor cell (umbilical cord blood). It has the following equipment: sterile connection device, computer, pipettes, preservation chamber with embryo freezer accessory to blood bags storage, cryoplus storage system, dielectric manual sealer, automatic hemoseal sealer for blood bags, laminar flow, automatic cell counter, -20C freezer, -86C freezer, 25 kg high pressure cylinder, water purification system to produce type 1 water, CO2 incubator, pH meter, optic inverted microscopy, thermal hydrometer, cryogenic container for transportation, conservation chamber, analytical balance, plasma extractor, frezenius universal sealer, storage system “bioarchive”, low speed refrigerator centrifuge, among others.
  Laboratory of Gene Transfer – (41 m²): laboratorial area. It has the following equipment: inverted microscopy, colored screen, micro pipettes, electrophoresis chambers, vacuum pampers, automatic electrophoresis system, refrigerator, laminar flows, centrifuges, incubators, printers, colored table scanner, angle rotor, freezer, video digital, duplex refrigerator, magnetic stirrer, automatic thermo cycler, pH meter, incubator, advanced filtration system, computers and printers, among others.
  Quality Control Laboratory – (44 m²). It has basically the following equipment: coagulometer, precision pipettes, refrigerators, microscopes, pH meters, water baths, freezer, centrifuges, spectrophotometer, laminar flow, among others.
  H.L.A. Laboratory – (22 m²). It has basically the following equipment: thermo cycler, flow cytometer, platform, microscope, water-bath, centrifuge, pipettes, digital camera, electrophoresis chamber, balance, tubes stirrer, freezer refrigerators, laminar flow, incubator, electrophoresis system, computer and printer.
  Cell Culture Laboratory – (68 m²): laboratorial and room culture area. It has basically the following equipment: binocular optic microscope, CO2 container, precision pipettes, freezer (-86°), phase contrast inverted microscope, vortex, CO2 incubator, water bath, refrigerated centrifuge, semi-automatic photo-micrograph system, N2 container, laminar flow, binocular microscope, pH meter, refrigerators, inverted microscope, analytical balance, water distiller, electrophoresis system, bar code reader, laminar flow, among others.
  Molecular Biology Laboratory – (94 m²): laboratorial area. It has the following basic equipment: electrophoresis power supply, water distiller, water bath, video copy processor, microplates homogenizator, pipettes, vacuum pump, microscopic image acquisition system, transilluminator, laminar flow, incubator, centrifuge, duplex refrigerator, automatic thermo cycler, sample concentrator, freezer, spectrophotometer, speed vac with high capacity components, computers and printers, among others.
  Cellular Biology Laboratory – (67 m²): laboratorial area. It has the following basic equipment: refrigerators, electrophoresis system, printers, pipettes, chambers, spectrophotometer, cellmax pump station, scintillations counter and micro plates, freezer, centrifuges, microscope, water bath, laminar flow, computers, printers, among others.
  Flow Cytometry Laboratory – (47 m²): laboratorial area. It has the following basic equipment: flow cytometry, pipettes, refrigerators, vacuum pump, facstation macintosh power station, fac sorting interface, micro pipettes, centrifuges, computers, printers, among others.
  Molecular Genetic Laboratory – (47 m²): unit composed of laboratorial area. This laboratory has the following basic equipment: projector, multimedia, automatic thermocyclator, freezer, PCR camera, vertical laminar flow, pipettes, refrigerators, horizontal electrophoresis systems, hit bath, micro centrifuge, magnetic shaker, sequencer, plate sealers, oven for bacterial culture, DNA genetic analyst, multi-screen mini protean, micro plates systems, sonicator, incubator, gel running, automatic sequencer, scanner HP Scanjet, micropipettes, digital thermo mixer, computer, notebook, desk jet, etc.
  Bioinformatics Laboratory -(25 m²): unit composed of informatics area. This laboratory has the following basic equipment: personal computer, desk scanners, desk jets, multimedia projector, etc.
  Research and Study Laboratory – (34 m²): unit composed of area of informatics research. This laboratory has the following basic equipment: personal computers, desk jets, etc.
  Biblioteca – (42 m²): esta unidade possui 2.024 livros, 4.000 periódicos e jornais, 19 conjuntos de referências (impressas e digitalizadas), 231 teses, dissertações e monografias, guias, 11 assinaturas eletrônicas, 2 assinaturas de periódicos, anais e acervo de produção científica, etc.
Audiovisual – (33 m²): unit composed of area for elaboration and production of bibliographic material and multimedia images. This area has the following basic equipment: computers, desk scanners, desk jets, plotter, camera camcorder, CD and DVD recorder machine, portable projectors, etc.
  Nursing services – (76 m²) – this unit is composed of areas for nursing management, administrative support, aphaeresis, transfusion room, medical clinics, screening of donors and blood collection. This area has the basic equipment: computers, printers, sphignomanometer, aphaeresis systems, blood bag sealer, chairs for aphaeresis, infusion bombs, urgency cars, surgical vacuum cleaner, etc.
Social service – (21 m²) – this unit has areas for social support to donors and patients. It has the basic equipment: computers, printers, scanner, video camera, digital camera, television and DVD player.
  Laboratory of Hematology – (622 m2): this unit is composed of administration area, laboratory and cell culture room. It has the basic equipment: refrigerator, freezers –20 and – 80 C, centrifuges with and without refrigeration, speed vac centrifuge, cytocentrifuge, microwave, hybridization oven, hybridization oven for microarray, analytical balance, pH meter, geneQuant, spectrophotometer, ice machine, machine for cell freeze, bench refrigerate incubator, thermo cycle, Real Time PCR system, dry bath, water bath, water purification system, laminar-flow hood, rack negative isolator, CO2 incubator, horizontal shaker, tubes shaker, magnetic stirrer with and without heating, power supply for electrophoresis chamber, vertical and horizontal electrophoresis chambers, tissue drill, scanner, photo documentation system, autoclave, cell counter/analyzed, pipettes, computers and printers.
  Biocenter – (1.006 m²) – this unit is composed of areas for HLA and biotechnology laboratories and hereditary anemias, Cell therapy, Cytogenetic and Immunofluorescence, House of Science and support rooms.
  Laboratory of Biotechnology and Hereditary Anemias – It has the basic equipment: microwave, shakers, water bath, incubator and analytical balance.
  Laboratory of Cell Therapy – It has the basic equipment: microscopy, pipettes, refrigerated centrifuge, freezer, water bath, Laminar-flow Hood class 2, cell counter, CO2 incubator, Nitrogen liquid container, electrophoresis chambers, pH metrer, analytical balance, electrophoresis power and freezer -86C.
  Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Immunofluorescence – there are in this laboratory the basic equipment: microscopy, fluorescent font, culture incubator, safety cabin, vortex, cell counter.
  House of Science and Museum and Laboratory for Science Teaching – this unit is composed to areas for educational activities. It has the basic equipment: computers, printers, plotter, scanner, DVD player, cassette player, video cameras, digital cameras, multimedia system, televisions, microscopy, electronic keyboard, notebook and refrigerator.
  Laboratory of Animal Studies – (722,45 m²) – this unit has two floors for animal manipulation, studies and surgical procedures. This unit is under construction.
  Biotechnology Laboratory – (5.438 m²) – this unit has six floors for highly specialized laboratories equipped for cell culture, cryopreservation, serology, NAT, FVIII production. The project is finalized and approved, awaiting the release of resources to begin the construction.
  Animal Manipulation Room – (54 m²) – This unit is composed of areas for animal manipulation. It has the basic equipment: safety cabin, freezer, centrifuge and shelves for animal cases.
  Animal House – Faculty of Pharmacy: This unit is SPF (specific pathogen-free). It is composed of 3 rooms for mice and rats. It has the basic equipment: iron shelves and a “pass-through”, autoclaves, ventilated breeding racks, shelves for maintenance of approximately 300 couples of matrixes of mice in expansion, a total of 8 lines, providing the scientific community an average of 500 mice per month and a total of 40 couples (matrixes) of Wister rats.
  Center for Chemical Proteins – (460 m²) – this unit has areas for sample preparation, electrophoresis, administration office, meeting rooms. It has the basic equipment: tubes stirrer, magnetic stirrer, electrophoresis power, refrigerator, hypercassete, pH meter, and electrophoresis evaluation system, production system of ultrapure water and pre-treatment of water.
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