Evandro Araújo de Souza
Life Sciences
Evandro Araújo de Souza, a professor at the University of São Paulo, explores the fascinating topic of how stressed cells send signals over long distances in the body. Unlocking the mysteries of these signaling networks could provide valuable insights into aging and degenerative diseases, making this a highly promising line of study.
The first scientist in his family, Souza grew up in Rio de Janeiro. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedicine from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s degree in molecular biology from the Federal University of São Paulo, and a doctorate in biochemistry from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
These days, Rio has become more of a retreat for him, away from the lab. Souza describes himself as a devoted Vasco da Gama supporter and a coffee enthusiast. After two postdoctoral fellowships in England, he added tea appreciation to his list of passions.
Projects
How do stressed cells alert others? Previously thought to be limited to the cell experiencing stress, it is now evident that stress signals can be communicated across tissues, activating protective responses throughout the body. This project examines how cells communicate beyond their immediate environment, with a focus on unconventional signals, including changes in membrane lipid composition. Using model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans and mice, we will compare stress responses originating in the nervous system with those perceived in different peripheral tissues. By mapping these communication pathways, we aim to deepen our understanding of the body’s integrated stress response and shed light on the mechanisms underlying age-related diseases.
Amount invested
Institutions
- Universidade de São Paulo
