Coordinator
Sayuri Miyamoto
Sayuri Miyamoto holds a Bachelors degree in Pharmacy from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has international training and research experience in Japan, including a research internship at the National Food Research Institute (NFRI-MAFF, Tsukuba) and an M.Sc. in Nutrition from the University of Tokushima. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) and completed postdoctoral training at the Institute of Chemistry, USP and in Japan. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry at the Institute of Chemistry (IQ-USP) since 2007 and has been a Full Professor since 2026. She is internationally recognized (h-index 40; >8,000 citations) for her research in lipid metabolism and redox biology, with emphasis on lipidomics/redox lipidomics by mass spectrometry, oxidized lipids as biomarkers and signaling mediators, and cell-death mechanisms associated with lipid peroxidation (including ferroptosis) in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases.She is a Principal Investigator of the CEPID Redox Processes in Biomedicine (FAPESP 2013/07937-8, 2013-2026), the INCT-Quantitative and Precision Methodologies in Redox Biomedicine (Grant No. 408213/2024-8, 2025-2030), and CoMETA (USP Center of Metabolism). She coordinates a multi-user high-resolution mass spectrometrybased platform for redox lipidomics analyses, supporting academic projects and industry demands, including EMBRAPII-funded projects and international projects (NDR Inc.). She served on the Council of the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine (20202024) and is part of the Board of the Brazilian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (First Treasurer, 2022; First Secretary, 2023present). She also serves on the editorial boards of international journals, including Scientific Reports, Chemical Research in Toxicology, and Advances in Redox Research.
Post-doctoral students
Lucas Gasparello Viviani
2026-present
Project: Virtual screening of inhibitors of enzymes having lipids as substrates, with potential applications in human health
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Graduated in Pharmacy-Biochemistry from Pharmaceutical Sciences’ program of the University of São Paulo (2013) and PhD in Sciences (Chemistry) from the Chemistry Institute of University of São Paulo (2020). During his doctorate, he did an internship in research abroad for 4 months at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, in Heidelberg, Germany. He has experience in the areas of Molecular Modeling and Medicinal Chemistry, with emphasis on the following themes: virtual screening of compounds with potential biological activity; redox systems (lipoamide dehydrogenase and thioredoxin reductases) and purinergic signaling systems (ecto-5´-nucleotidase / CD73).
Tiago Eugênio Oliveira da Silva
2022-present
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Graduate student with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). Master's and PhD in Sciences (Human Physiology) from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences I (ICB I) of the University of São Paulo (USP). Studied the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and energy balance in mice at the molecular physiology and metabolism laboratory, coordinated by Professor William Tadeu Lara Festuccia. Currently, he is undertaking postdoctoral research in the modified lipids laboratory, coordinated by Professor Sayuri Miyamoto. The objective of this postdoctoral research is to evaluate the effects of some deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acids in protecting against ferroptosis-induced cell death in a model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Megumi Nishitani Yukuyama
2023-present
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Currently undertaking postdoctoral research at the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo. Holds a double doctoral degree in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, specializing in Pharmaceutical Production and Control, from the University of São Paulo, and from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, Canada. Graduated in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo and holds a master's degree in Health Sciences, specializing in Pharmaceutical Production and Control, from the same university. Has several years of experience in Research and Innovation laboratories in companies. She received an international scholarship from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and worked in the Research and Innovation Laboratory of Bristol-Myers Squibb - Clairol Japan, in Japan. She has experience in large national and international companies such as L'Oréal in the Hair Research and Innovation Formulation Laboratory, Avon, BASF, O Boticário and Consulcom Cosmetics Consulting as a researcher in the area of Research and Development of skin care formulations, and at Henkel as a research and formulation intern. She has six years of international experience in research and innovation laboratories in countries such as Japan, France and Canada.
Ph.D. students
Larissa Regina Diniz
2019-present
Project: Integrated Lipidomic and Oxylipidomic Analysis of Polarized Macrophages M1/ M2.
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Graduated in Fundamental Option Chemistry at the University of São Paulo, São Carlos campus (2017). He has experience in Organic Synthesis, having done Scientific Initiation for two years in a research laboratory. She is currently doing a PhD in biochemistry at the Modified Lipids laboratory at IQ-USP, under the guidance of Profa. Sayuri Miyamoto, focusing on oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and oxylipidomics.
Hector Oreliana Fernandes Faria
2022-present
Project: Evaluation of the lipid profile and its implication in hypermetabolism in muscle tissue of SOD1G93A mice treated with Akkermansia muciniphila.
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Graduated in Chemistry Bachelor (2018) and Licentiate (2020), Master in Health Sciences (2021) from Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo Capital, Awarded Student Lavoisier 2018. Sao Paulo. He is currently a Doctoral Student at the Biological Sciences Program (Biochemistry) at the University of São Paulo. He has a background in Molecular Biology with an emphasis on the investigation of metabolic pathways, specifically in the studies of obesity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and experience with interventions in Animal Models, Rats and Mice.
Ana Clara Albertin Zucão
2024-present
Project: Supplementation with Deuterated Arachidonic Acid for Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease: A Preclinical Trial in a Humanized Transgenic Model
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Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry at the Institute of Chemistry (IQ) of the University of São Paulo (USP). Masters degree in Biosciences (2024) from the Institute of Biosciences, Letters, and Exact Sciences (IBILCE) at São Paulo State University (UNESP). Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (2023) and Teaching License (2022) from IBILCE/UNESP. Participated in a Scientific Initiation program (2018) at IBILCE/UNESP, focusing on hemoglobinopathies at the Laboratory of Hemoglobins and Genetics of Hematological Diseases (LHGDH). Experience in the laboratory diagnosis of hereditary hemoglobinopathies, particularly sickle cell anemia, as well as in markers of oxidative stress and the proteolytic activity of proteasomes.
Thais Satie Iijima
2025-present
Project: Study of the catalytic activity of 15-lipoxygenases and virtual screening of inhibitors.
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Graduated in Chemistry at the University of São Paulo (USP). Master in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) at the Chemistry Institute from the University of São Paulo (2021 - 2025). Currently a PhD student in the Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) program at the Chemistry Institute from the University of São Paulo. Areas of interest: enzymology, lipid metabolism and inhibitors.
Master's students
Guilherme Ribeiro Silva Resende
2025-present
Project: Lipidome remodeling and diversification of bioactive lipids by beta- and omega-oxidation in neutrophils stimulated by LPS and 25-hydroxycholesterol
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Biomedical Scientist and Masters student in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) at the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (IQ-USP). His research lies at the interface of lipid biochemistry, immunometabolism, and cell biology, with a focus on understanding the interactions between β- and ω-oxidation of fatty acids and oxylipin metabolism. His current work aims to identify novel metabolites derived from these pathways in neutrophils activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol. He is also involved in the identification of esterified oxylipins in complex lipids through HILIC fractionation and the synthesis of fatty acid hydroperoxides. He holds a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Sciences from Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, where he graduated with Academic Honors as the top student among the graduated classes. During his undergraduate studies, investigated oxidative metabolism in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on neutrophil function and the regulation of inflammatory metabolism under nutritional intervention with omega-3 fatty acids. Has experience in advanced molecular biology techniques (qPCR, microRNA analysis, STRs, genotyping, and method development), flow cytometry (immunophenotyping, reactive species analysis, cytokine detection, and cell death assays), and currently specializes in lipid biochemistry, including lipidomics, oxylipin analysis by LC-MS/MS, and organic synthesis.
Maria Fernanda Valente Nolf
2026-present
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Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of São Paulo. She conducted scientific initiation research, with a scholarship from FAPESP, in the Modified Lipids and Redox Biochemistry laboratory at the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP), studying the role of free and esterified cholesterol in the susceptibility of astrocytoma to ferroptosis-related death.
B.Sc. students
Vinicius de Oliveira Santachiara
2025-present
Project: Structural characterization of 7-dehydrocholesterol endoperoxide and its reactivity with thiols
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High school completed at ETEC de Francisco Morato. Currently in the fourth year of the Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy at Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF) of University of São Paulo (USP).
Staff
Rodrigo Santiago Lima
Laboratory Specialist
Contact: rodrigosantiago@iq.usp.br
2026-present: Laboratory Specialist in Mass Spectrometry
2019-2023: M.Sc Project: Study of oxysterols as markers of neurodegenerative diseases.
Adriana Maria Pires Wendel
Laboratory Specialist
Present: Laboratory Management
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Adriana Maria Pires Wendel, Brazilian, biologist, married, one child. Bachelor's and Licentiate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Guarulhos (1988). Laboratory specialist at the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo (1984-present). Experience in the area of Biochemistry, with emphasis on metabolism and bioenergetics. For 28 years she worked under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Etelvino José Henriques Bechara. Currently she works under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Nadja Cristhina de Souza Pinto and Prof. Dr. Sayuri Miyamoto.
Leandro de Rezende
Computer technician
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Leandro holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from USP (University of São Paulo). He has worked at the Institute of Chemistry since 2003, where he served as an IT technician and molecular modeling specialist (and technical fellow) in the laboratory of retired Professor Antonia Tavares do Amaral until 2023. Additionally, he participates in the CEPID Redoxoma, contributing to the network's scientific outreach, managing email lists, building and maintaining the website and hosting servers. Currently, he works at Professor Sayuri Miyamoto's laboratory as an IT technician and for the INCT (National Institute of Science and Technology) for Quantitative and Precision Methodologies in Redox Biomedicine, coordinated by Professor Mauricio Baptista. He is an enthusiast of Linux and free software, has experience in server administration, software compilation, and basic knowledge of hardware maintenance and programming.
Alumni
Rosangela Silva Santos
PhD: 2021-2025
Current position: postdoctoral researcher at the University of Heidelberg
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PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP), obtained in 2025. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Heidelberg. Pharmacist from the Federal University of Sergipe (2016-2021). Scientific initiation at the Laboratory of Oxidative Stress and Related Pathologies (LEOPAR) from 2017 to 2021. Holds a Technical degree in Food Science from the Federal Institute of Sergipe (2015). Has experience in the analysis of natural compounds and lipids by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS); lipid profile analysis by gas chromatography (GC); antioxidant activity and oxidative stress analyses.
Project: Unraveling Lipid Dynamics: from viral infection-induced remodeling to metabolic pathway tracing
Alex Inague
PhD.: 2017-2023
Current position:postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley (USA), and member of the Pew Latin American Fellows Program in the Biomedical Sciences
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Bachelors degree in Chemistry with an emphasis on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (IQ-USP), including an undergraduate exchange period at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom). Ph.D. in Sciences (Biochemistry) from IQ-USP, with a doctoral research internship at the University of Würzburg (Germany). Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley (USA), and a member of the Pew Latin American Fellows Program in the Biomedical Sciences. Research areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Main research interests include lipid and selenium metabolism and their relationship with lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. In recent projects, investigated ferroptosis-regulating proteins in cancer cell lines, focusing on potential therapeutic applications of this form of cell death.
Project: Mechanisms of detoxification and repair of oxidized biological membranes involving the action of the enzyme peroxiredoxin 6.
Karen Campos Fabiano
M.Sc.: 2017-2023
M.Sc. Project: Chemical and functional characterization of ergosterol and its oxidized derivatives
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She was an intern at the National Nuclear Energy Commission, working mainly on the following topics: fish, micropogonias furnieri, inaa, pescada and cynoscion sp.. She was an intern at the Biochemistry Department of the Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo between 2014 and 2016. She completed her master's degree with research in the Biochemistry Department of the Chemistry Institute at the University of São Paulo, in the modified lipids research laboratory.
Rodrigo Lucas de Faria
PhD.: 2017-2023
Current position: Labpharma - Researcher and Senior Consultant
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Graduated in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of São Paulo (2016). Completed a PhD in Biological Sciences with emphasis on Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo (USP) under the guidance of Professor Dr. Sayuri Miyamoto, focusing Oxy-lipidomic studies of the effects of the oxidation of plasmalogens on the lipid remodeling of cells under oxidative stress. Works as a senior researcher and consultant at Labpharma. He specializes in the development and validation of analytical methods (such as impurity and nitrosamine tests) using high-technology systems such as LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry).
Maria Fernanda Junqueira de Andrade Nogueira
M.Sc.: 2017-2022
M.Sc. Project: Comparative analysis of omega-3 fatty acids in foods of marine origin
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She holds a degree in Nutrition from Centro Universitário São Camilo (2011) and a master's degree in Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo (2022). She has experience in the field of Nutrition.
Marcos Yukio Yoshinaga
Postdoctoral 2016-2022
Current Position: Professor at Cruzeiro do Sul University; Consultant at PinguisLab
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Holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of São Carlos (2001) and a doctorate in Biological Oceanography from the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (2007). Worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bremen (MARUM) for 8 years on the following topics: marine organic geochemistry, oceanographic microbiology, with an emphasis on cell membrane lipid analysis. From 2016 to 2022, worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Chemistry Institute of the University of São Paulo, establishing global lipidomics analyses for the areas of biochemistry, physiology, and health. In 2023, founded the consulting firm PinguisLab for services in lipid analysis by mass spectrometry, and in 2024 became a Professor at Cruzeiro do Sul University.
Adriano Britto Chaves Filho
PhD.: 2020-2023
Current position: postoctoral at German Cancer Research Institute (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, Germany
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Holds a degree in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) and PhD in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) from the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP), focusing Integration of quantitative lipidomic and oxy-lipidomic analysis to track unregulated proinflammatory pathways involved in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Completed postdoctoral studies at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of USP (ICB-USP) and IQ-USP. Currently is a postdoctoral researcher at the German Cancer Research Institute (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. Has experience in the field of Biochemistry, with an emphasis on lipid analysis by mass spectrometry.
Isabella Fernanda Dantas Pinto
PhD: 2014-2019
Current position: NC group - Research and Development (R&D), Project Management, Leadership, and Innovation
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Isabella holds a degree in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Sergipe, including a study-abroad period at the University of Barcelona. She earned her PhD in Science (Biochemistry) from the Institute of Chemistry at the University of São Paulo. She possesses a strong background and experience in academic research, working on the planning and development of research projects. During her doctoral studies, her primary focus was investigating lipid metabolism and identifying biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using lipidomics and proteomics (LC-MS).
