Helena Coutinho Franco de Oliveira

We have focused on the role of plasma lipoprotein metabolism and associated proteins particularly relevant for the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity. Hormonal, nutritional and pharmacological regulation of key proteins involved in the metabolism of plasma lipoproteins are investigated with the goal of elucidating molecular mechanisms and putative therapeutic targets for cardio-metabolic disturbances. Scientific contributions have been made concerning the understanding of CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) gene expression and its effects regarding atherosclerosis susceptibility and possible new functions of this protein (Oliveira HCF, Raposo HF. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020). Together with Anibal Vercesi group, we have demonstrated that mitochondrial bioenergetic function and redox state alterations are present in hyperlipidemic states that predispose to atherosclerosis (Oliveira HCF, Vercesi AE.Mol Aspects Med. 2020)

Jose Luiz Proenca Modena

Since 2015, José is professor in the Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Institute of Biology at University of Campinas (Unicamp). Currently, he heads a Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE) where he is conducting researches about pathogenesis of Oropouche virus (OROV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and the recently discovered new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). During COVID-19 pandemics, Proença-Modena worked to mitigate the social and public health impact of this disease in the metropolitan region of Campinas, having a leading role for molecular diagnosis, scientific dissemination, and development of research that has contributed to the understanding of new epidemiological, evolutionary and pathophysiological aspects of COVID-19. He published 62 papers in indexed journals and wrote two book chapter in virology and microbiology.

Henrique Marques de Souza

Screening for molecules controlling essential biological processes in insects through gene silencing (RNAi), genomic editing (CRISPR-Cas9) and global gene expression analysis (RNA-seq) techniques aiming at the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions to control agricultural pests.