Federal University of Pará
Postgraduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology
Our research
The Program is organized into two areas of concentration. The Neuroscience area comprises three lines of research: Neuropharmacology, Neurophysiology, and Neuropathology. The Cell Biology area, in turn, brings together five lines: Physiology of Cells and Molecules, Cytogenomics, Cell Biology of Cancer, Pathogenic Microorganisms, and Pathology of Cells and Molecules. These lines cover contemporary and relevant topics, reflect the experience and intellectual production of the faculty, and maintain coherence with the academic and scientific objectives of the Program.
Área de concentração: Neurociências
Research area: Neuropharmacology
The Neuropharmacology research line investigates the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs and bioactive substances on the nervous system. It encompasses the identification of molecular targets, the study of neurotransmitters and signaling pathways, the pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of compounds, and the investigation of processes such as neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, neurodegeneration, and neural plasticity. It also seeks to contribute to the prospecting and development of therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases and mental disorders, including the investigation of the potential of natural products and molecules derived from Amazonian biodiversity.
Area of concentration: Neuroscience
Research area: Neurophysiology
The Neurophysiology research line investigates the cellular, systemic, and behavioral mechanisms involved in the functioning of the nervous system. It encompasses the study of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, plasticity, and the functional organization of neural circuits, as well as the neurophysiological bases of sensory, motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. Through experimental, clinical, computational, and technological approaches, it seeks to understand neural functioning in physiological and pathological conditions, identify biomarkers, and develop assessment methods and strategies aimed at the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and rehabilitation of nervous system disorders.
Area of concentration: Neuroscience
Research area: Neuropathology
The Neuropathology research line investigates the structural, cellular, molecular, and functional alterations associated with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. It encompasses the study of neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, infectious, traumatic, vascular, metabolic, and neoplastic processes through experimental, clinical, and translational approaches. It seeks to understand the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of these conditions, relate tissue and molecular alterations to clinical and functional manifestations, and identify biomarkers and potential targets for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Area of concentration: Cell Biology
Research area: Physiology of Cells and Molecules
A linha de pesquisa em Fisiologia de Células e Moléculas investiga os mecanismos celulares e moleculares que regulam as funções biológicas e a manutenção da homeostase. Abrange o estudo de membranas, receptores, canais iônicos, transporte celular, metabolismo, expressão gênica, comunicação e sinalização celular, bem como dos processos de proliferação, diferenciação, migração, secreção, estresse e morte celular. Por meio de abordagens experimentais, moleculares, bioquímicas, biofísicas e computacionais, busca compreender as respostas celulares em condições fisiológicas e patológicas e contribuir para a identificação de biomarcadores, alvos moleculares e novas estratégias de diagnóstico e intervenção.
Area of concentration: Cell Biology
Research area: Cytogenomics
The Cytogenomics research line investigates the organization, structure, function, variability, and evolution of chromosomes and genomes. It integrates cytogenetic, molecular, genomic, and bioinformatic methods to characterize karyotypes, map DNA sequences, and identify chromosomal alterations, genomic variations, and epigenetic mechanisms. It seeks to understand their relationships with biological diversity, evolution, development, and diseases, as well as contribute to the knowledge and conservation of biodiversity, especially of organisms from the Amazon.
Area of concentration: Cell Biology
Research area: Cellular Biology of Cancer
The research line in Cancer Cell Biology investigates the cellular, molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the initiation, progression, and therapeutic response of neoplasms. It encompasses the study of cell proliferation, death and metabolism, genomic instability, tumor stem cells, interaction with the microenvironment, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to treatments. Through experimental models and molecular, cellular, histological, omics, and computational approaches, it seeks to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of more effective and individualized strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Area of concentration: Cell Biology
Research area: Pathogenic Microorganisms
The research line in Pathogenic Microorganisms investigates the diversity, biology, evolution, and pathogenicity mechanisms of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other parasites of human, animal, and environmental importance. It encompasses the study of pathogen-host interactions, virulence factors, immune response, transmission routes, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Through microbiological, cellular, molecular, immunological, genomic, epidemiological, and computational approaches, it seeks to contribute to the surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, with special attention to tropical and neglected diseases and the socio-environmental particularities of the Amazon region.
Area of concentration: Cell Biology
Research area: Pathology of Cells and Molecules
The research line in Cellular and Molecular Pathology investigates the cellular, molecular, genetic, metabolic, and immunological mechanisms involved in the origin and progression of diseases. It encompasses the study of cellular adaptation and injury responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in gene expression and signaling, and the mechanisms of tissue death, inflammation, degeneration, and repair. Through experimental, histological, biochemical, molecular, omics, and computational approaches, it seeks to relate cellular and molecular alterations to disease manifestations and contribute to the identification of biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and new strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.