João Paulo Kazmierczak De Camargo

I believe that a curious person is constantly changing as they acquire knowledge in their life course. This specific characteristic motivated me to study biology in graduation and Molecular Human Genetics after that, so I could better understand how we are ruled and influenced by our genetic heritage. In my Master’s Degree, I studied the genetics of macular diseases, where I could perform a family study where members were affected by a peculiar degeneration of the macula caused by a specific mutation in the GUCA1A gene. This same study case led me to Universita di Verona, where I have the opportunity to perform a functional analysis of the mutated GCAP1 protein as a part of my Ph.D.

I also research genetic and epigenetic factors associated with depression and metabolic syndrome in two different populations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. In this Project, the main objective is to uncover the relationship between these two diseases by analysis of specific genes present in common metabolic pathways affecting both, by genotyping the individuals, analysis of DNA methylation, and quantification of seric proteins.

Last but not least, my desire as a researcher is to transmit my knowledge in a way that can improve the quality of life of people while satisfying my pleasure in being an eternal student.