Talita Diniz Melo-Hanchuk

Life Sciences

Originally from Minas Gerais, biologist Talita Diniz Melo-Hanchuk has taken a diverse path in science, exploring the fields of plant, parasite, and tumor cell genetics and biochemistry before finding her true calling in molecular biology. 

Now a resident of Campinas and mother of two, Talita balances her research with stress-relieving volleyball whenever time allows. Her academic journey includes a degree in biological sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, a master’s in cell and molecular biology from the University of São Paulo, and a PhD in molecular and functional biology from the State University of Campinas. Currently a researcher at the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Talita is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of asymmetric arboviruses, hoping to pave the way for new antiviral strategies, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.

Open Calls

Science Call 7

Projects

Can the structure of asymmetric arboviruses be resolved through mapping their protein interactions?
Science / Life Sciences

The emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose a significant threat to public health, requiring multidisciplinary approaches to understand and control these pathogens. Structural virology provides critical insights into viral vulnerabilities, facilitating the development of antiviral therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. While significant progress has been made in elucidating the structure of symmetric viruses, pleomorphic viruses such as Influenza, Ebola, Sabiá, and Oropouche (OROV), which exhibit diverse particle sizes and shapes, remain poorly understood. This project proposes a novel approach to unravel the architecture of these complex viruses. By mapping intra- and inter-protein interactions, we aim to generate a comprehensive interaction network. Using this network, we will apply artificial intelligence algorithms to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the intact virus particle.

Amount invested

Grant Serrapilheira: R$ 350.000,00 (R$ 200.000,00 + R$ 150.000,00 optional bonuses aimed at the integration and training of individuals from underrepresented groups in science)