Area of Concentration: Cellular and Tissue Biology
Reproductive Biology
Responsible Professors: Ana Beatriz Graça Duarte, Ana Paula Rodrigues.
This research line aims to promote the development of the biotechnology for Manipulation of Oocytes Included in Preantral Follicles (MOIFOPA), also known as “Artificial Ovary.” It seeks to study, using in vitro models, the effects of different substances on preantral follicles to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of early folliculogenesis, which is still poorly understood. It also focuses on the formation of genetic banks (germplasm) through the cryopreservation of oocytes included in preantral follicles from animals of zootechnical interest or endangered species, as well as assisted reproduction. Additionally, it evaluates the effects of antimicrobial substances in transgenic goat milk expressing these products and their impact on the intestinal epithelial barrier and immune response in malnutrition animal models.
Morphofunctional Studies of Skin Alterations
Responsible Professors: Renata Leitão, Roberta Jeane, Virgínia Girão.
This research line aims to investigate the inflammatory/immunological mechanisms involved in skin lesions (in response to stimuli and diseases) using experimental models and human research. It also includes the development and/or application of biomaterials for skin healing or the production of skin substitutes.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Morphophysiology
Responsible Professors: Delane Gondim, Karuza Alves, Mirna Bezerra, Paula Goes, Renata Leitão, Ricardo Borges Viana, Virgínia Girão.
This research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory and degenerative processes occurring in animal models of arthritis, periodontal, and endodontic diseases, which result in joint pain and deformity in arthritis and bone resorption with potential tooth loss in periodontitis. It aims to establish more effective therapeutic strategies. The research also includes evaluating the biocompatibility and biofunctionality of new complex biomimetic substrates, such as collagen membranes and sponges infused with drugs developed at the Federal University of Ceará and UNICAMP, for use in Guided Tissue and Bone Regeneration in experimental periodontal disease and arthritis. Additionally, it studies acute and chronic morphofunctional alterations of bone and skeletal muscle tissue in response to physical exercise in humans.
Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Morphophysiology
Responsible Professors: Camila Roncari, Renata Alves, Richard David, Roberta Jeane.
This research line aims to study the morphophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and renal diseases and to elucidate new therapies for their treatment through in vivo and in vitro studies (functional, molecular, and cellular). Techniques employed include blood pressure measurement, heart rate monitoring, and autonomic function assessment in unanesthetized animals; evaluation of vasorelaxant activity in mesenteric artery and isolated aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats; central microinjections and assessment of blood pressure control by the central and peripheral nervous systems; and ion channel studies related to cardiac excitability. In the renal scope, both in situ (isolated kidney perfusion system) and in vivo (metabolic cages), the research seeks to study morphological and functional alterations related to renal toxicity or protection.
Morphofunctional Alterations of Inflammatory Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Responsible Professors: Antoniella Gomes, Gerly Brito, Pedro Soares, Reinaldo Oriá.
This ongoing research focuses on studying the effects of modulating cellular signaling pathways that regulate the immune-inflammatory response, including growth factors, cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and pathways influencing stem cell homeostasis of the intestinal crypt and epithelial barrier. It investigates these mechanisms in animal models of diseases induced by bacterial toxins, malnutrition, antineoplastic drugs, and antiretrovirals associated with diarrheal diseases. The research also explores the impact of intestinal inflammatory lesions on the enteric nervous system and smooth muscle contractility. Additionally, human (CaCo2, T84) and rat (IEC-6) intestinal cell lines are used to study the mechanisms underlying morphological and functional alterations in the epithelial barrier in vitro, including imaging studies of epithelial junctional complex alterations caused by aggressors related to diarrheal diseases. A new topic in this research area includes acute and chronic pancreatic disorders, developing innovative protocols and elucidating underlying mechanisms. The research also seeks innovation in the development of new products derived from natural sources.
Tumor Biology, Molecular Pathology, and Oncology Treatment Toxicity
Responsible Professors: Caroline Nunes, Karuza Alves, Mariana Vale, Renata Leitão.
This research line investigates the molecular interactions between parenchymal cells and the underlying stroma, as well as the resulting morphological alterations in various pathologies, with an emphasis on neoplastic diseases. It utilizes in vitro and in vivo studies, including viability and cell cycle analysis, tumor cell growth, cell death, and expression of cellular and tissue markers, to explore processes involved in cancer establishment and progression, seeking mechanisms capable of delaying and/or inhibiting carcinogenesis. Additionally, this research line aims to study toxicities associated with antineoplastic therapies, examining morphological alterations, molecular and cellular markers, involved mechanisms, and specific preventive and/or therapeutic methods.
