Molecular Biology (MSc/PhD)

Ana Carolina Schwarzer

EDUCATION

College / University

Federal University of Paraná

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science and Licentiate

Major Subjects

Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology
Schwarzer

Country

Brazil

Lab Experience

Molecular cloning; PCR; DNA extraction; cell culture (2D/3D, primary /immortalized cells); cell isolation from human tissues; transfections; recombinant protein expression (E. coli/mammalian cells); protein chromatography (affinity/ion-exchange/size-exclusion); electrophoresis (agarose/SDS-PAGE); Western blot; protein crystallization assays; flow cytometry.

Projects / Research

  • 04/2019 – 08/2019: “Validation of an in-house model of in vitro Reconstructed human Epidermis (RhE) for evaluation of cutaneous irritation by OECD method 439” (ALS Global, São Paulo, Brazil).
  • 03/2018 – 02/2019: “Expression, purification and crystallization of Utp24 protein of Trypanosoma brucei and in vitro transcription of pre-rRNA fragments of T. brucei” (ICC - Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil).
  • 01/2018 – 02/2019: “Expression of single-chain antibodies of the variable fraction (scFv) and variable fraction (Fab) against osteopontin” (ICC - Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil).
  • 03/2015 – 12/2017: “Expression, purification and functional characterization of the Wnt signaling modulator SFRP2” (ICC - Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil).
  • 01/2016 – 02/2016: “Structural aspects of the interaction between Myosin Vc and Rab3A” (LNBio - CNPEM, Campinas, Brazil).
  • 12/2013 – 12/2014: “Genetics of Complex Diseases and Ancestry of Brazilian Population Samples” (Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil).

Scholarships / Awards

2019 – 2020: Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2019: Technical Training Fellowship-Level 3, FAPESP Innovative Research in Small Business Program (PIPE), funding agency: FAPESP.
2013 – 2019: Institutional Scientific Initiation Scholarship Program, funding agency: CNPq.

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My major goal as a scientist is to use the knowledge generated through scientific research to improve the clinical picture of patients with complex genetic diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Unraveling the molecular scenario of these disorders and how we can modify it to improve the prognosis of patients is a challenge that attracts me. I am fascinated by the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to tumor progression and neurodegeneration, including the genetic elements and the multiple interactions between different cellular and tissue components. In the course of my Masters/PhD in Molecular Biology I intend to deepen my understanding of these areas, especially through structural biology and protein biochemistry and biophysics, and also to expand my knowledge in other subjects and areas that I am not familiar with.