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Ana Carolina Loyola Machado, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
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About

Titles

Postdoctoral Associate

Biography

Throughout my career, I have developed expertise in advanced cell biology and biochemical techniques, consistently publishing in journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to the broader understanding of the cellular biology and biochemistry of mitochondria. I decided to expand my knowledge by studying liver diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale, applying clinical interests to my basic science background.

My long-term research goal is to develop into an independent researcher in biological science, particularly in mitochondria and its surrounding structures, which I have explored through projects during my academic journey.

I have been studying mitochondria from different angles: the mitochondrial-associated membrane and calcium influx with Dr. Michael Nathanson. The mitochondria, glycosome, and intermediate metabolism with Dr. Frederic Bringaud. The biochemistry and morphological association of symbionts in a host cell with Dr. Cristina Motta. And, the organelle function manipulation by diet with Dr. Marcus Oliveira.

Mitochondria is a complex organelle involved in various biological processes and diseases, with still much to explore. I am building a career in this field, continually expanding my knowledge and expertise. I strive to maintain a team-oriented, literature-driven approach to science and have admired the mentorship of several researchers who have fostered my growth. My goal is to emulate their teaching style and lead research teams with academic honor and trustworthy standards

Appointments

Departments & Organizations

Education & Training

Postdoctoral Associated
Yale University
Postdoctoral Fellow
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2022)
PhD
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Parasitology and Cell Biology, Biophysics (2019)
Visiting Graduate Student Fellow
Bordeaux University (2016)
MSc
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Parasitology and Cell Biology, Biophysics (2014)
BS
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Biological Science, Genetic (2011)
Visiting Undergraduate Student Research
Sherbrooke University (2010)
Visiting Undergraduate Student Fellow
Bishop's University (2009)

Research

Overview

  1. Studying the ITPR-type 3 in the mitochondrial associate membrane in liver diseases

I am studying the role of the ITPR-type 3 receptor in mitochondrial-associated membranes in liver diseases, particularly in the context of metabolic dysfunctions and liver cancer. My research emphasizes the dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium transients and their related proteins as a therapeutic target in liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). A key achievement was automating calcium signal data analysis through AI, improving efficiency in calcium transient studies.

In collaboration with Dr. Kibbey's team, I helped implement high-resolution respirometry using the Oroboros system, contributing to advancements in metabolic research at my team and also at the facility.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins

Research at a Glance

Publications Timeline

A big-picture view of Ana Carolina Loyola Machado's research output by year.
5Publications

Publications

2023

  • Mitochondrial calcium signaling in cholangiocarcinoma
    @Article{2394-5079.2023.28, AUTHOR = {Loyola-Machado, Ana Carolina and Guerra, Mateus T. and Nathanson, Michael H.}, TITLE = {Mitochondrial calcium signaling in cholangiocarcinoma}, JOURNAL = {Hepatoma Research}, VOLUME = {9}, YEAR = {2023}, NUMBER = {0}, ARTICLE-NUMBER = {25}, URL = {https://www.oaepublish.com/articles/2394-5079.2023.28}, ISSN = {2454-2520}, ABSTRACT = {Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary liver cancer whose diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Although recent developments derived from molecular characterization of CCAs have led to the availability of new pharmacological agents, a better understanding of the genetic and molecular alterations in CCA is still required for the development of more effective or broader targeting treatments. One emerging signaling pathway of interest in the pathogenesis of CCA is ER to mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling. This pathway is of particular importance because it regulates both cell death through apoptosis and necrosis, and metabolic reprograming of cancer cells through regulation of energy metabolism in mitochondria. Here we discuss the latest findings regarding the dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ signals and its key regulatory molecules with a special focus on the intracellular Ca2+ channels of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (ITPR) family. We also discuss the role of ER-mitochondrial contact sites in determining mitochondrial health and how these points of contact between organelles might represent a druggable target in CCA.}, DOI = {10.20517/2394-5079.2023.28} }
    Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus Statements

2017

2015

2009

Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

  • honor

    Honorable Mention for the Oral Presentation

    Other AwardAcademic Integration Week (SIAc), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
  • honor

    Zigman Brener Scientific Best Panel

    Other AwardAnnual Meeting of Brazilian Society of Protozoology (SBPz)
  • honor

    Postdoctoral Fellowship

    Regional AwardThe Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (FAPERJ)
  • honor

    Postdoctoral Junior Fellowship

    National AwardNational Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brazil (CNPQ)
  • honor

    PhD Student Distinction Fellow

    Regional AwardFoundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)
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Get In Touch

Contacts

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