Professor Marcelo S. da Silva received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 2009. Next, he obtained his PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in 2014. During his PhD, he studied telomere homeostasis at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France. He started work with DNA metabolism of Trypanosoma spp. during his postdoc at Butantan Institute, and at University of Glasgow, UK.

Currently, Professor Marcelo coordinates the Laboratory of DNA Replication and Repair at the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil. His primary interest is understanding the main aspects of DNA metabolism in trypanosomatids, etiological agents of neglected tropical diseases. DNA metabolism in these organisms is unique in many ways, and we are trying to better understand these peculiarities through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo molecular approaches. We have focused on (i) kinases involved in inositol pyrophosphate synthesis, (ii) inositol pyrophosphate targets and the role of pyrophosphorylation during the cell cycle and DNA repair pathways, (iii) telomere dynamics, and (iv) genotoxicity caused by thymidine analogs. Furthermore, we are also interested in developing potential effective drugs to combat leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

News about our recent publication - Folha de São Paulo: Proteína pouco conhecida é potencial alvo contra a doença de Chagas.

Vitor received the best poster award at the 71^st International Congress of the Brazilian Genetics Society, 2026. Congratulations Vitor!

Vitor received the best oral presentation award (PhD level) during the XIV Simpósio do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas – Genética, UNESP, Botucatu. Congrats Vitor!

Thaise received the best poster presentation award at the VI Chemistry Institute Congress, University of São Paulo, 2024. Congratulations Thaise!

Bryan received the Zigman Brener Award for the best poster presentation at the XXXVIII Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society of Protozoology, 2023. Congratulations Bryan!