Researchers delivered lectures and guided hands-on laboratory activities

Between July 27 and 31, researchers and students from the Center for Research in Biology of Bacteria and Bacteriophages (CEPID B3) contributed to the training of future scientists during the Winter Course in Microbiology and Applied Molecular Biology, organized by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (ICB-USP). The team delivered lectures on bacteriology and genetics and led practical laboratory activities, giving participants firsthand experience with the daily routine of scientific research.

The event opened with a presentation by Marcio Vinicius Bertacine Dias, Vice Chair of the ICB Department of Microbiology and head of the Laboratory of Applied Structural Biology to Drugs at CEPID B3. Dias introduced students to the Department of Microbiology, its research groups, and its facilities, emphasizing the department’s commitment to education, research, and the training of microbiologists. Each year, the department teaches approximately 1,600 undergraduate students and more than 120 graduate students. His presentation was followed by lectures on microbiology and virology.

On the second day of the course, bacteria took center stage. João Carvalho, a master’s student in the Bacterial Physiology and Genetics Laboratory at CEPID B3, highlighted the importance of bacteria in fields such as biotechnology, public health, and our understanding of the origin of life on Earth. “On an Earth that was very different from the one we know today, bacteria evolved an extraordinary diversity of metabolic strategies to cope with a wide range of environmental conditions”, he explained. During his lecture, Carvalho also introduced fundamental concepts of bacterial morphology, classification, nutrition, and growth, while discussing the challenges involved in cultivating bacteria in the laboratory.

João Carvalho, from the Laboratory of Bacterial Physiology and Genetics, presented an introduction to bacteriology.

Next, Henrique Kustor, a PhD candidate in the Laboratory of Molecular Bacterial Genetics at CEPID B3, delivered a lecture on DNA damage, DNA repair mechanisms, and bacterial mutations. He explained that although the term mutation is often associated with negative consequences, mutations can have very different effects. “Some mutations are silent and produce no detectable effects, while others result in loss of function or even gain of function”, he said. Kustor also discussed the different types of DNA damage – undesirable alterations to genetic material that can interfere with DNA replication and even lead to cell death. To cope with these challenges, he explained, bacteria rely on sophisticated DNA damage response and repair systems that are essential for their survival.

Henrique Kustor, from the Laboratory of Molecular Bacterial Genetics, spoke about DNA damage, repair mechanisms, and bacterial mutations.

Throughout the week, afternoon sessions were devoted to hands-on laboratory activities organized by different ICB research groups. CEPID B3’s contribution was led by the Laboratory of Applied Structural Biology to Drugs, coordinated by Marcio Dias. Under the supervision of instructors Guilherme Oliveira, Luís Rosa, and Henrique Neves, participants followed every step of the recombinant protein production and purification process, from transforming Escherichia coli strains and inducing protein expression to cell lysis, protein purification, and assessment of protein purity. The activities focused on enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic apramycin, allowing students to gain practical experience with techniques widely used in molecular biology and biochemistry research.

Course instructors and organizers during one of the laboratory sessions.

About the Winter Course in Microbiology and Applied Molecular Biology

The Winter Course in Microbiology and Applied Molecular Biology is held annually in July. Its goal is to introduce undergraduate students and recent graduates to the field through lectures and practical activities. This year’s edition welcomed 40 in-person participants and 60 online attendees.