Marcos Hikari Toyama

Professor Dr. Marcos Hikari Toyama is a researcher and academic mentor with a solid background in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). He currently conducts academic and scientific activities at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC) and São Paulo State University (UNESP), where he develops advanced research in biochemistry and molecular toxicology. His research integrates in silico and in vitro methodologies, focusing on the study of group II secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and its relevance in inflammatory processes. His investigations are centered on identifying and characterizing bioactive natural compounds derived from plants, with an emphasis on evaluating their therapeutic potential in controlling acute inflammation and repairing the plasma membrane. This includes exploring the entourage effect and the regulation of key enzymes such as cPLA2, LPCAT, and COX-2. Recently, he has expanded his research scope to include the study of cellular oxidative stress and the modulation of peroxiredoxins, significantly broadening his contributions to understanding inflammatory and oxidative diseases.As the coordinator of the BIOMOLPEP research group, based at UNESP's Coastal Campus, he promotes the convergence of basic and applied science with a multidisciplinary approach, substantially advancing the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in inflammatory processes and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Since 2021, he has been actively collaborating with the BioSIM group, led by Professor Dr. Sérgio F. Sousa at the University of Porto, Portugal. This collaboration involves the development of advanced molecular screening protocols utilizing computational tools such as DataWarrior and Gold. These investigations include constructing chemical libraries and systematically evaluating compounds targeting enzymatic pathways, including sPLA2, PAF-AH, and COX-2, with the goal of identifying promising molecules for treating inflammatory diseases, with particular attention to cardiovascular conditions.In 2022, Professor Toyama further expanded his international collaboration network by joining the Laboratory of Protein Research (LabInPro), part of the Institute of Basic and Applied Chemistry of Northeastern Argentina (IQUIBA-NEA) at the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), Argentina. This partnership strengthens his role in translational research, fostering robust scientific and technological exchange between leading institutions in Brazil, Portugal, and Argentina. His recognition as a PQ2 fellow by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) underscores his academic excellence and commitment to scientific and pedagogical innovation. Professor Toyama also stands out for implementing teaching methodologies that foster critical thinking and scientific practice, significantly contributing to the development of new talent in the field.Professor Dr. Marcos Hikari Toyamas academic and scientific trajectory is marked by significant contributions to advancing knowledge and developing innovative therapeutic strategies to combat inflammatory diseases. His multidisciplinary and collaborative approach positions him as an international reference in the fields of biochemistry and molecular toxicology. With an integrated vision of science, he continues to train the next generation of researchers, contributing to addressing contemporary scientific challenges and promoting global scientific progress. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)