Omoto, Ana Carolina
Primary Appointment
Research Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Education
- B.S., Biological Sciences, Sao Paulo State University - Brazil
- MSc., Biological Sciences, Sao Paulo State University - Brazil
- Ph.D., Physiology, University of Sao Paulo - Brazil
- Postdoctoral Training, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center - USA
- Instructor, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center - USA
Contact Information
Pinn Hall Floor 05 Rm 5036
1340 Jefferson Park Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Email: rhh9pb@virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Cardiovascular Biology
Research Interests
Integrative Approaches to Cardiovascular Disease: Targeting Central Nervous System Pathways and Interorgan Communication to Improve Heart Function and Metabolism
Research Description
A major focus of my research program is to elucidate the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT)-derived extracellular vesicles in mediating the cardioprotective effects of the leptin/melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling pathway. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for ischemic heart disease, and emerging evidence suggests that targeting central energy-regulating pathways can yield systemic benefits beyond weight management. Given that MC4R agonists have already been approved by the FDA for the treatment of rare genetic forms of obesity, my studies aim to generate critical pre-clinical data on the potential repurposing of these agents to improve cardiac outcomes in obese patients. By investigating the molecular mechanisms by which BAT-derived extracellular vesicles contribute to interorgan communication and cardiac repair, my research seeks to identify novel therapeutic strategies that enhance heart function and metabolic health in the context of obesity and ischemic injury.