Research focus: NATURAL PRODUCTS, DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND BIOMARKERS
Project: Identification and validation of diagnostic biomarkers and drug development based on natural products.
More information: www.ppg.unifesp.br/farmacologia
Associate Professor: Mirian Hayashi
Email: mhayashi@unifesp.br
Prof. Mirian Hayashi (mhayashi@unifesp.br), advisor to the program in Pharmacology, works mainly in two different lines of research: (1) natural products and drug development, and (2) identification of biomarkers in mental disorders. (1) The toxins present in venoms are of great scientific interest, mainly due to their potential for biotechnological application and therapeutic use. Our group mainly studies a toxin from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, which has antimicrobial and antitumor activity, and with activity in the modulation of animal metabolism. This molecule has been evaluated as a possible transporter of other drugs and as a theranostic agent (therapy + diagnosis) for application in several diseases, including oncology and kidney transplantation; (2) Mental disorders are potentially serious and highly prevalent disorders. Tools that can assist in the accuracy of the diagnosis are urgently needed. Our group has contributed to a better understanding of the neurobiology involved in mental disorders, with a special focus on the study of oligopeptidases and peptidergic pathways that may be involved in the etiology and/or pathophysiology of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder.