Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus, Texas A&M University, United States

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is a passionate research scientist with a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo and over a decade of experience in preclinical and translational research. She specializes in inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular physiology, and lymphatic system disorders, particularly in the context of arthritis and cancer. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Canada, Dr. de Jesus has developed extensive skills in molecular biology, vascular imaging, and functional assays. Her multidisciplinary research contributes to advancing knowledge in immunopathology, lymphatic remodeling, and endothelial function. Widely published and recognized in her field, she has received awards for her scientific contributions and actively mentors students and collaborates across diverse research teams. Her work bridges pharmacological mechanisms with clinically relevant models, demonstrating both scientific rigor and innovation.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Originality & Scientific Merit:
   Dr. de Jesus’s work on lymphatic physiology, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species stands out for its mechanistic depth and translational relevance. Her findings related to NOX inhibition, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation, and lymphatic hyperactivity in arthritis present novel therapeutic insights.

2. High-Impact Publications:
   Published in respected journals such as PNAS, Life Sciences, Antioxidants, Biomolecules, and Microcirculation, her research demonstrates a consistent track record of scientific excellence.

3. Award-Winning Contribution:
   The 2023 Travel Award from the Lymphatic Forum for a detailed vascular-laboratory-based study highlights peer recognition and confirms the value of her contributions to lymphatic research.

4. Advanced Methodology:
   She applies cutting-edge techniques in animal models, functional vascular assessments, and molecular biology—key components that strengthen the scientific rigor of her articles.

5. Interdisciplinary Relevance:
   Her research links vascular biology, immunology, and pharmacology, adding significant value across disciplines including rheumatology, oncology, and metabolic disease.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

1. Pending Publications:
   A few of her strongest recent manuscripts are still under review or in preparation. Their final publication would bolster her visibility and add further weight to her candidacy.

2. Broader International Outreach:
   While her collaborations are robust, engaging more with international institutions beyond North and South America could further amplify the global impact of her work.

3. Clear Highlight of Novelty in Abstracts:
   While the research is rich in content, abstracts and titles could more clearly emphasize novelty and real-world implications to stand out for award nominations.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus earned her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo, one of Brazil’s premier institutions for biomedical research. During her graduate studies (2011–2019), she focused on vascular biology and inflammation, developing deep expertise in endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide signaling, and lymphatic-arterial cross-regulation. Her early academic journey included foundational studies in biology and pharmacological techniques, enriched by rigorous laboratory practice and collaborative research. To complement her ethical and methodological framework, she completed the TCPS2 training (Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans) in 2024 in Calgary, Canada. This has enabled her to work seamlessly in both Brazilian and Canadian research environments. Her education reflects a strong grounding in both experimental and translational science, empowering her to contribute meaningfully to complex biomedical challenges.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Since April 2019, Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been working as a Postdoctoral Researcher focusing on inflammation-related mechanisms in arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer-associated lymphatic changes. Her role encompasses designing and executing in vivo studies, molecular biology experiments, and vascular function assessments. She leads laboratory operations, supervises student researchers, and contributes significantly to manuscript development and conference presentations. Her contributions to the field include pioneering insights into lymphatic dysfunction, ROS involvement in vascular remodeling, and endothelial channel regulation. With over a decade in pharmacological research, Dr. de Jesus has cultivated a rich portfolio of publications and collaborations across interdisciplinary teams. Her experience reflects a strong command over both experimental methodology and collaborative science, making her a valuable contributor in both academic and applied research settings.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been recognized for her significant contributions to lymphatic system research. Notably, she received the Travel Award in 2023 from the Lymphatic Forum Conference for her impactful abstract: “Decreased contraction frequency by NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive popliteal afferent lymphatic vessels in a TNFα-induced spontaneous arthritis mouse model.” This award acknowledged her advanced understanding of vascular and immune interplay in chronic inflammation. Additionally, she has participated in prestigious international conferences, such as the 19th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, where her work on NOS and NOX regulation in lymphatics was presented. These honors reflect her growing recognition within the vascular biology and pharmacology communities, underscoring her potential as a leader in translational immunovascular research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. de Jesus’s research focuses on the interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction—especially within the context of the lymphatic system. Her work investigates how reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide signaling, and molecular pathways like NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) regulate lymphatic vessel contractility and remodeling. Her current postdoctoral work explores lymph node immunobiology, arthritis models, and cancer-lymphatic interactions using sophisticated in vivo and molecular approaches. She integrates vascular physiology with immunology, seeking to unravel how inflammation alters lymphatic transport, immune cell trafficking, and endothelial responses. Her studies often leverage genetically modified mouse models and combine functional assays with histological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. Dr. de Jesus’s research offers novel insights into pathophysiological processes underlying chronic diseases such as arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer, positioning her at the forefront of lymphovascular research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📖 Hyperactive popliteal lymphatic vessels require activation of NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) pathways in arthritic mice (In prep)
📖 Microbiota is dispensable for lymphatic vessel hyperactivity in the TNFΔARE/+ mouse model – Arthritis Rheumatology (Under revision)
📖 Dysregulated lymphatic remodeling promotes immunopathology during non-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis – Cell Press (Under review)
📖 Presence of dysfunctional soluble guanylate cyclase in mesenteric arteries from periodontitis rats – European J. of Pharmacology (2025)
📖 Flow-dependent regulation of mesenteric lymphatic vessels via TRPV4 activation – Microcirculation (2023)
📖 Increased contractile activity and dilation of lymphatic vessels in TNF-α-overexpressing arthritic mice – Life Sciences (2023)
📖 Lymph-derived chemokines drive neutrophil infiltration in lymph nodes post-S. aureus infection – PNAS (2022)
📖 Nutraceutical mix modulates gene expression in Type-2 Diabetes Obesity Model – Antioxidants (2022)
📖 AP39-induced vasorelaxation in mouse mesenteric arteries – Biomolecules (2022)
📖 Leukotriene receptor antagonist reduces bone loss in periodontitis – Journal of Periodontology (2021)
📖 Endothelial dysfunction in periodontitis involves NO and COX-2 products – Archives of Oral Biology (2016)
📖 Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate improve swimming performance – Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism (2013)

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is highly suitable for the Best Research Article Award. Her article on NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive lymphatic vessels offers a novel mechanistic insight into the vascular pathology of inflammatory arthritis, an area with significant unmet clinical need. Her work is original, methodologically rigorous, and impactful within the field of lymphatic and vascular biology. Given her award-winning presentation, peer-reviewed track record, and interdisciplinary research value, she is a strong candidate deserving of recognition.