GREMMLENZ

Camilla Abbehausen

Principal Investigator

Resume

Currently, she is a Ph.D. Professor in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the State University of Campinas. Her scientific interests lie in bioinorganic chemistry and medicinal inorganic chemistry, specifically focusing on the mechanism of metalloproteins and their inhibition by small molecules. She has conducted studies on zinc finger domains and metallo-beta-lactamases as therapeutic targets, investigating their inhibition by complexes of various transition metals, including cobalt, nickel, palladium, and gold. She explores the development of metal complexes for disease treatment, currently with a focus on neglected diseases. She was recently invited as a visiting professor at the Technical University of Munich, where she lectured on zinc proteins and zinc enzymes. Previously, she conducted a Postdoctoral project at the Institute of Chemistry at Unicamp in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, working in Prof. Nicholas Farrell’s laboratory. There, she studied the inhibition mechanism of zinc finger domains by Au(I) complexes. She completed her Ph.D. in the field of Bioinorganic and Coordination Chemistry at Unicamp, including a research stay at Virginia Commonwealth University in the metal studies in medicine laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Nicholas P. Farrell. Her master’s degree, focused on inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on materials, particularly silicones, was also obtained at Unicamp. She worked professionally as an Applications Engineer, providing technical support at Dow Corning in Brazil. She graduated in Chemistry from Unicamp.

 

Research Projects

 

2020 – Present

Development of Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors of Clinical Interest Description: In the face of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the development of new antibiotics remains a significant challenge in modern medicine. This project focuses on creating beta-lactamase inhibitors, crucial for combating resistance in Gram-negative bacilli. The approach involves screening cyclic peptide libraries and rational design of transition metal complexes to identify potent inhibitors. The goal is to address resistance by targeting beta-lactamases, offering new insights for effective antibiotic therapies. Status: Ongoing Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Member), Ana Gales (Member), Vitor Marcelo Silveira Bueno (Member), Marcelo Ferreira Marcondes Machado (Coordinator) Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

 

2019 – 2021

Selective Targeting of Zinc Finger Domains with Metallodrugs for Therapy of Parasitic Diseases Description: This collaborative project with Cardiff University, funded by FAPESP, explores the therapeutic potential of metallodrugs targeting zinc finger domains. The aim is to develop innovative treatments for parasitic diseases by leveraging the unique properties of metallodrugs in disrupting essential zinc finger proteins. Status: Completed Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator), Angela Casini (Member) Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

 

2019 – Present

Combatting Bacterial Resistance: Metal Complexes and Inhibition of Metallo-Beta-Lactamases Description: Supported by CNPq, this project addresses bacterial resistance through the rational design of metal complexes and the inhibition of metallo-beta-lactamases. The research explores innovative strategies to counteract resistance mechanisms and advance the development of effective antibacterial agents. Status: Ongoing Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator), Raphael Honorato Ribeiro (Member), Eduardo Guimarães Ratier de Arruda (Member), Elisama Menezes Carlos (Member) Funding: National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)

 

2019 – Present

Metallodrugs Targeting Specific Pathways for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis Description: This ongoing research project focuses on the development of metallodrugs specifically tailored for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The multidisciplinary team aims to design innovative therapeutic strategies, leveraging the unique properties of metal complexes to target specific pathways related to the parasitic infection. Status: Ongoing Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator), Angela Casini (Member), Danilo Ciccone Miguel (Member), and others

 

2017 – 2019

Combatting Bacterial Resistance: Metal Complexes and Inhibition of Metallo-Beta-Lactamases Description: This FAPESP-funded project focused on understanding and inhibiting metallo-beta-lactamases, a major contributor to bacterial resistance. The research involved a comprehensive study of metal complexes as alternatives for inhibiting these enzymes, providing valuable insights for future antibacterial drug development. Status: Completed Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator), Manoel Victor Frutuoso Barrionuevo (Member), Eduardo Guimarães Ratier de Arruda (Member), and others Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

 

2015 – 2017

Coordination Compounds as Viable Alternatives for Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Inhibition? Description: Supported by FAEPEX, this research project aimed to investigate the potential of coordination compounds as alternatives for inhibiting metallo-beta-lactamases. The findings provided valuable insights into the feasibility of utilizing metal complexes to combat bacterial resistance. Status: Completed Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator) Funding: Fund for Support of Teaching, Research, and Extension (FAEPEX)

 

2015 – 2017

Coordination Compounds as Viable Alternatives for Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Inhibition? Description: This FAPESP-funded research project delved into the exploration of coordination compounds as potential inhibitors of metallo-beta-lactamases. The comprehensive study involved both undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing to the understanding of metal-based strategies in the fight against bacterial resistance. Status: Completed Nature: Research Team: Camilla Abbehausen (Coordinator) Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)