GREMMLENZ UNICAMP

Prof. Abbehausen, Gremmlenz and Bioinorganic Chemistry

Established in 2015 under the leadership of Professor Camilla Abbehausen at the Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Brazil, the Gremmlenz group (Group of Studies of Metallodrugs and Metalloenzymes) stands at the forefront of bioinorganic chemistry research. Our primary mission is to unravel the complexities of metal coordination and organometallic compounds within biological systems, emphasizing compounds that show potential for medicinal applications. A central aspect of our investigations involves understanding how ligands influence the biological responses of these compounds.

Within the expansive scope of our research, we delve into the structure and function of metalloenzymes and metalloproteins, exploring intriguing entities such as zinc finger domains and metallo-beta-lactamases, and discovering novel applications in medicinal chemistry.

Our research group comprises a diverse team, including undergraduate students commencing their scientific journeys, master’s students expanding their knowledge, Ph.D. students leading projects and contributing to scientific advancements and post-doctoral fellows. Additionally, our collaborative efforts involve experts from various fields, enriching our collective experience and fostering interdisciplinary insights.

If you are interested in knowing more about the specific projects, please click the link below and explore further our work: [Link to Projects Page]. Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of bioinorganic chemistry and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of scientific discovery.

Bioinorganic Chemistry

In the expansive field of bioinorganic chemistry, we explore the multifaceted roles of metals in biology and medicine. Metals play indispensable roles in the life cycles of both animals and plants. While the essentiality of metals has long been acknowledged, their diverse functions continue to be a source of fascination and exploration. Nature’s adept use of metals for various physiological functions has inspired our exploration into the medicinal applications of both essential and non-essential metals, leading to the discovery of intriguing pharmacological activities associated with metal-based compounds.

The name and mascot

The name GREMMLENZ finds its roots in Portuguese, representing “Grupo (GR) de Estudos (E) de Metalofármacos (M) e Metaloenzimas (MENZ),” which translates to the Study Group of Metallodrugs and Metalloenzymes. Intriguingly, the inspiration for our name also stems from the iconic movie Gremlins. This connection holds a special significance as, during that period, our research was dedicated to studying the inhibition of Zn-beta-lactamase.

Zn-beta-lactamase, a hydrolase with a remarkable ability to bind to water, serves as a bacterial defense mechanism, contributing to the emergence of superbugs. The parallel with the movie’s plot is evident – a tale of an inventor gifting his son Gizmo, a unique pet with the condition that he must not be exposed to water. Despite Gizmo’s friendly and intelligent nature, an accidental encounter with water leads to the creation of five grotesque creatures, adding a twist to the storyline.

While our research group later diversified its focus, moving beyond the exclusive study of β-lactamases, we developed a fondness for our mascot, Gizmo, and the name GREMMLENZ. Embracing this connection to our initial research, we retained both the mascot and the name of the group, symbolizing our journey from a specific focus to a broader exploration of metallodrugs and metalloenzymes in bioinorganic chemistry.

Looking for an opportunity in our group?