BRUNA FERNANDES PINTO

Dr. BRUNA FERNANDES PINTO


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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BPBRUNA FERNANDES PINTO
BRUNA FERNANDES PINTO
PLPriscila Hess Lopes
Priscila Hess Lopes
CTCarlos Eduardo Madureira Trufen
Carlos Eduardo Madureira Trufen
ACAna Tung Ching Ching
Ana Tung Ching Ching
IJInacio Junqueira-De-Azevedo
Inacio Junqueira-De-Azevedo
DTDenise Vilarinho Tambourgi
Denise Vilarinho Tambourgi
Dermonecrosis resulting from Loxosceles spider envenomation, primarily driven by the enzyme sphingomyelinase D (SMase D), is characterized by severe inflammation and nonhealing wounds. SMases can be classified as Class I or II based on their structural characteristics. Class I exhibits greater dermonecrotic activity than Class II; however, the intracellular mechanisms responsible for this difference remain poorly understood. The differential transcriptomics analysis of human keratinocytes treated with each toxin revealed that Class I primarily activates pathways associated with proteolytic activity and apoptosis. In contrast, Class II uniquely upregulates key genes, including PIM-1, MCL-1, PAI-1, p21, and c-FOS, which support cell survival and inhibit apoptosis. These pathways also facilitate tissue repair and keratinocyte proliferation during wound healing, particularly through signaling mechanisms involving Substance P and VEGF-A. RT-qPCR confirmed these findings, with protein level evaluations indicating the sustained upregulation of VEGF-A exclusively in keratinocytes treated with Class II. We identified Substance P and VEGF-A as potential therapeutic targets for managing cutaneous loxoscelism, providing valuable insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the distinct toxic effects of the two SMase D isoforms. By elucidating these pathways, this study enhances our understanding of loxoscelism’s pathophysiology and highlights strategies for therapeutic intervention in dermonecrotic injuries caused by spider venom.