Thiago Rentz Ferreira Laginski
Roxbury Crossing,MA
Summary
Cellular physiologist with a Ph.D. in Functional and Molecular Biology and over 10 years of experience in cell culture, biotechnology, and molecular techniques. Skilled in mammalian cell culture, including cell differentiation and optimization of culture conditions. Experienced in molecular cloning, RNA/DNA extraction, quantification, and analysis. Proficient in flow cytometry (FACS), immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and functional assays. Adept at collaborating with senior lab members to design, develop, and optimize cell culture protocols and experimental techniques. Enthusiastic about contributing to de-extinction and genetic restoration efforts at Colossal, eager to apply my experience in biotechnology and cellular research to innovative genetic engineering projects.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Harvard Medical School - Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
10.2021 - Current
- Leading translational projects focusing on molecular regulation, immunometabolism, and biotechnology applied to cardiovascular diseases.
- Independently conducting experiments with human and murine cells, including monocyte isolation, macrophage differentiation, and smooth muscle cell culture.
- Advanced experience in molecular biology techniques: RNA/DNA extraction, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, cDNA preparation, transfection, and plasmid vector design.
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, including guide RNA design, and participating in experiments related to gene editing, contributing to high-precision genetic engineering.
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, including guide RNA design, and participating in experiments related to gene editing, contributing to high-precision genetic engineering.
- Development and standardization of complex experimental protocols, with a focus on cell culture, functional assays (phagocytosis, migration, gene expression), and protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA).
- Detailed record-keeping of procedures and training of students and researchers in laboratory techniques, contributing to the organization and reproducibility of research.
- Strong interaction with multidisciplinary teams and international researchers in a high-performance scientific environment.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Heart Institute / University of São Paulo
São Paulo, SP - Brazil
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Investigated molecular pathways involved in hypertension and male vulnerability, focusing on ACE/Ang II and ACE2/Ang-(1-7) axes in lung tissue.
- Conducted translational research using experimental models and human transcriptome analysis (GTEx).
- Applied advanced molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including qRT-PCR, Western blot, and enzymatic activity assays (ACE, ACE2, ADAM17), alongside peptide quantification.
- Standardized and maintained renal cell cultures (primary and immortalized) for studies on protein expression and receptor regulation.
- Executed protocols such as immunoprecipitation and Blue Native PAGE for the analysis of membrane protein complexes.
- Played a key role in optimizing experimental protocols and ensuring best practices with biological models.
PhD Researcher
State University of Campinas
Campinas, SP - Brazil
03.2015 - 02.2020
- Investigated inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms in atherosclerosis, focusing on macrophage regulation induced by physical exercise, and CETP expression.
- Performed bone marrow transplants in hypercholesterolemic mice to evaluate the hematopoietic role in vascular inflammation.
- Applied advanced functional assays, including macrophage migration, immunofluorescence, ROS quantification, and qPCR for inflammatory markers.
- Demonstrated sustained anti-inflammatory effects of exercise through bone marrow reprogramming.
- Extensive experience in cell culture, confocal microscopy, histology, cytokine quantification, and lipid metabolism assays.
- Coordinated complex experimental workflows involving molecular biology, immunology, and physiology.
- Gained hands-on experience in molecular cloning for collaborative projects, specifically related to insulin gene studies, further expanding my proficiency in gene manipulation.
Professor of Human Physiology and Biophysics
State University of Ponta Grossa
Ponta Grossa, PR - Brazil
03.2016 - 12.2019
- Taught undergraduate courses in Human Physiology and Biophysics.
- Supervised scientific projects on the metabolic effects of physical exercise in different population profiles.
- Collected and analyzed human blood samples to assess glycemic parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- Participated in thesis defense committees, and provided methodological guidance to students.
- Gained solid experience in experimental planning, data analysis, and working with human biological samples.
- Coordinated research projects, ensuring effective organization and execution, while also mentoring students in the laboratory setting.
Master’s Researcher
University of Campinas
Campinas, SP - Brazil
02.2013 - 02.2015
- Investigated mitochondrial redox imbalance in immune cells during atherosclerosis using genetic mouse knockout models.
- Gained extensive experience in genotyping, colony management, and ethical protocols for genetically modified animals.
- Isolated macrophages and employed techniques such as real-time PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and cellular oxidative assays.
- Conducted specialized mitochondrial assays (membrane potential, ROS production, swelling), bridging bioenergetics with inflammation.
- Studied foam cells and oxidized LDL to evaluate cellular lipid metabolism.
- Conducted bone marrow transplants and dietary models of atherosclerosis, linking hematopoietic stem cells with chronic diseases.
- Collected neonatal tissues using stereomicroscopy for collaborative projects.
- Developed strong expertise in experimental planning, cell culture, and integrating multidisciplinary techniques.
Education
Ph.D. - Functional And Molecular Biology
State University of Campinas
Campinas, SP - Brazil02-2020
Master of Science - Functional And Molecular Biology
State University of Campinas
Campinas, SP - Brazil02-2015
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education
State University of Ponta Grossa
Ponta Grossa, PR - Brazil12-2012
Skills
General Skills
Strong interpersonal and scientific communication, with a solid background in molecular biology, cellular physiology, and biochemistry Extensive experience with in vivo and in vitro experimental models, including genetically modified animals Involvement in multidisciplinary projects with a translational focus and biotechnological applications Experienced in training and supervising students, laboratory technicians, and research assistants in complex laboratory routines and protocols
Technical Skills
Experienced in flow cytometry (FACS), with proficiency in ELISA, cytokine panels, RT-qPCR, Western blot for protein expression analysis, and electrophoresis Skilled in experimental design and data interpretation, with significant experience in in vivo and in vitro disease models (atherosclerosis, aneurysm, metabolic dysfunctions, CHIP) Extensive experience in laboratory animal management, including transgenic and knockout mice, genetic crosses (Cre-Lox systems), induction of surgical models (aneurysm induction with elastase, stent placement, jugular vein cannulation), bone marrow transplants, and perfusion Experienced in isolation and differentiation of primary human and murine cells (monocytes/macrophages, smooth muscle cells) and proficient in immortalized cell cultures (THP-1, HEK293, RAW) Skilled in conducting in vitro functional assays (migration, phagocytosis, adhesion, LDL uptake, foam cell formation) Expertise in histology, immunohistochemistry, including immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, and in vivo imaging Cryostat sectioning and histological staining for tissue analysis Familiar with RNA-Seq library preparation and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing principles (basic level) RNA/DNA extraction, quantification, and scientific and technical writing
Proficient with software such as GraphPad Prism, Excel, ImageJ, FlowJo, Zeiss, Leica, and Diva for flow cytometry analysis
Publications
- Leite, N. C.; Ferreira, T. R.; Rickli, S.; Borck, P. C.; Mathias, P. C. F.; Emillio, H. R. O.; Grassiolli, S. (2013). Glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism in pancreatic islets from MSG-treated obese rats subjected to swimming training. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
- Lorza-Gil, E.; Salerno, A.; Wanschel, A.; Vettorazzi, J.; Ferreira, M.; Rentz, T.; Catharino, R.; Oliveira, H. (2016). Chronic use of pravastatin reduces insulin exocytosis and increases β-cell death in hypercholesterolemic mice. Toxicology.
- Melo, A. F.; Moreira, C. C. L.; Sales, C. F.; Rentz, T.; Raposo, H. F.; Garófalo, M. A. R.; Botion, L.; Kettelhut, I. C.; Oliveira, H. C. F.; Chaves, V. (2017). Cafeteria diet induces non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats due to increased in vivo fatty acids synthesis, despite increases in liver cytosolic lipases activities and VLDL-TAG secretion rate. Biochimie.
- Guareschi, Z.; Valcanaia, A.; Ceglarek, V.; Hotz, P.; Amaral, B.; de Souza, D.; de Suza, T.; Nardelli, T.; Ferreira, T. R.; Leite, N. C.; Lubackzeuski, C.; Emillio, H.; Grassiolli, S. (2019). The effect of chronic oral vitamin D supplementation on adiposity and insulin secretion in hypothalamic obese rats. British Journal of Nutrition.
- Didek, D.; Cordeiro, M. M.; Xavier, J. L. P.; Ribeiro, P. R.; Rentz, T.; Franco, G. C. N.; Kanunfre, C. C.; Emillio, H. R. O.; Scomparin, D. X. (2019). Association between exercise and treatment with liraglutide in obese rats by cafeteria diet. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology.
- *Salerno, A. G.; *Rentz, T.; Dorighello, G.; Marques, A. C.; Lorza-Gil, E.; Wanschel, A.; Moraes, A.; Vercesi, A. E.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2019). Lack of mitochondrial NADP(H)-transhydrogenase expression in macrophages exacerbates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. Biochemical Journal. (*Equal contribution)
- de Souza, T.; de Souza, D. W.; Siqueira, B. S.; Rentz, T.; Emillio, H. R. O.; Grassiolli, S. (2020). Splenic participation in glycemic homeostasis in obese and non-obese male rats. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice.
- Rentz, T.; Wanschel, A.; Salerno, A.; Lorza-Gil, E.; Paiva, A. A.; de Souza, J. C.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2020). The anti-atherogenic role of exercise is associated with the attenuation of bone marrow-derived macrophage activation and migration in hypercholesterolemic mice. Frontiers in Physiology.
- Siqueira, B. S.; Ceglarek, V. M.; Gomes, E. C. Z.; Vettorazzi, J. F.; Rentz, T.; Nenevê, J. Z.; Volinski, K. Z.; Moraes, S. S.; Malta, A.; Mathias, P. C. F.; Emillio, H. R. O.; Balbo, S. L.; Grassiolli, S. (2021). Vagotomy and splenectomy reduces insulin secretion and IL-1β. Pancreas.
- Martins, F. L.; Tavares, C.; Malagrino, P.; Rentz, T.; Benetti, A.; Rios, T. M. S.; Pereira, G. M. D.; Caramelli, B.; Teixeira, S. K.; Krieger, J. E.; Girardi, A. C. C. (2021). Sex differences in the lung ACE/ACE2 balance in hypertensive rats. Bioscience Reports.
- Dorighello, G. G.; Rovani, J. C.; Paim, B.; Rentz, T.; Vercesi, A. E.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2022). Mild mitochondrial uncoupling decreases experimental atherosclerosis, a proof of concept. Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis.
- Dorighello, G. G.; Assis, L. H. P.; Rentz, T.; Morari, J.; Santana, M. F. M.; Passarelli, M.; Ridgway, N. D.; Vercesi, A. E.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2022). Novel role of CETP in macrophages: reduction of mitochondrial oxidants production and modulation of cell immune-metabolic profile. Antioxidants.
- Assis, L. H. P.; Dorighello, G. G.; Rentz, T.; de Souza, J. C.; Vercesi, A. E.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2022). In vivo pravastatin treatment reverses hypercholesterolemia-induced mitochondria-associated membranes contact sites, foam cell formation, and phagocytosis in macrophages. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.
- Cordeiro, M. M.; Ribeiro, R. A.; Bubna, P. B.; Almeida, A. C.; Rentz, T.; Franco, G. C. N.; Scomparin, D. X. (2022). Physical exercise attenuates obesity development in western-diet fed obese rats independently of vitamin C supplementation. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology.
- Rentz, T.; Dorighello, G. G.; dos Santos, R. R.; Barreto, L. M.; Freitas, I. N.; Lazaro, C. M.; Razolli, D. S.; Cazita, P. M.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2023). CETP expression in bone marrow-derived cells reduces the inflammatory features of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. Biomolecules.
- Rauch, P. J.; Gopakumar, J.; Silver, A. J.; Nachun, D.; Ahmad, H.; McConkey, M.; Nakao, T.; Bosse, M.; Rentz, T.; Gonzalez, N. V.; et al. (2023). Loss of function mutations in Dnmt3a and Tet2 lead to accelerated atherosclerosis and concordant macrophage phenotypes. Nature Cardiovascular Research.
- Queiroz, M. I. C.; Lazaro, C. M.; Barreto, L. M.; Rentz, T.; Virgilio-da-Silva, J. V.; Moraes-Vieira, P. M. M.; Cunha, F. A. S.; Santos, J. C. C.; Vercesi, A. E.; Leite, A. C. R.; Oliveira, H. C. F. (2024). In vivo chronic exposure to inorganic mercury worsens hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor knockout mice. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
- Siqueira, B. S.; Gomes, E. C. Z.; Rentz, T.; Malta, A.; Mathias, P. C. F.; Balbo, S. L.; Grassiolli, S. (2025). Vagal splenic-dependent effects influence glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and histopathology of the endocrine pancreas in hypothalamic obese male rats: Vagus nerve and spleen interactions affect the endocrine pancreas. Scientific World Journal.
- Hinokuma, K. D.; Ricardo, M. L. S.; Yoshigae, A. Y.; Sousa, T. C.; de Souza, L. P.; Nai, G. A.; Fernandes, G. S. A.; da Costa, I. R.; Laginski, T. R. F.; de Oliveira Mendes, L. (2025). Chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant mixture of endocrine disruptors alters nuclear phenotype and induces renal fibrosis in rats. Environmental Toxicology.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Harvard Medical School - Brigham and Women's Hospital
10.2021 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Heart Institute / University of São Paulo
09.2020 - 08.2021
Professor of Human Physiology and Biophysics
State University of Ponta Grossa
03.2016 - 12.2019
PhD Researcher
State University of Campinas
03.2015 - 02.2020
Master’s Researcher
University of Campinas
02.2013 - 02.2015
Ph.D. - Functional And Molecular Biology
State University of Campinas
Master of Science - Functional And Molecular Biology
State University of Campinas
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education
State University of Ponta Grossa
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