La animación 3D como herramienta para la mejora en la enseñanza y comprensión de los procesos tempranos de infección viral

Abstract

Introduction The �Membrane Fusion Processes� topic has been developed at a molecular advanced level in the teaching of �Pathogen Invasion Mechanisms� as one of the key biological events in the Infection (mainly studied in viruses) and in the context of Tropical Diseases. It is important to understand how membrane fusion occurs at a molecular level and in a dynamic way, to adequately achieve the objectives of this scientific topic. 327 Índice Objetives The present teaching innovation project aims to create, for the first time, 3D animation materials to pedagogically illustrate the movement of viral proteins at the moment of virus-cell fusion, as reported (Kielian and Rey, 2006; Sánchez-San Martín, Liu and Kielian, 2009; Smit et al. 2011; Wilen, Tilton and Doms, 2012; Melikyan, 2014), and in order to guarantee advanced training of students in Biomedicine / Infectious Diseases. Methods Use of advanced graphics technologies and software specialized in 3D modeling and animation (e.g.; Autodesk Maya and Zbrush). Results The 3D animation tools developed have allowed a better understanding of how membrane fusion occurs dynamically at a molecular level, in viruses such as HIV-1 (Wilen et al. 2012; Melikyan, 2014) and Dengue (Sánchez-San Martín et al. 2009; Smit et al. 2011). Discussion and conclusions Animation and 3D technologies are crucial for the development of educational tools key for compression and teaching, as well as, for the dissemination in Science of complex biological processes that occur dynamically in time and space, which are necessary for rigorous training specialists at the highest scientific level.