Débora Sobreira, Ph.D
- Assistant Professor, Biological Chemistry
- Assistant Professor, Human Genetics
Research Areas
Débora Sobreira, Ph.D., investigates how non-coding regions of the genome shape development, genetic diversity and susceptibility to disease. She aims to leverage her insights into the widespread effects genetic variants have on human health to develop therapies for complex metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
Sobreira specializes in unraveling the intricate consequences of genetic variations and illuminating the molecular mechanisms underpinning complex diseases and traits. Employing an extensive toolkit of genetic, molecular and developmental biology techniques and technologies, she has innovated strategies for differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into diverse neuronal and adipose lineages.
Using various experimental platforms ranging from cell culture to in vivo systems, Sobreira has developed and standardized assays to examine the genetic architecture of complex traits and the functional consequences of non-coding variation in loci associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Results from these studies have challenged previous paradigms and paved the way for functional follow-up studies of these genetic associations.
Sobreira has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation within the gene regulation and metabolic disease disciplines, contributing significantly to our deepened understanding of highly complex biological processes.
Research Projects
- Exploring the functional roles of non-coding metabolic variants through experimental analysis to understand their involvement in metabolic processes
- Investigating genetic and regulatory dynamics in neurons and fat cells to decipher the influence of gene function and expression on disease-related traits
- Generating molecular and cellular profiles in human stem cell-derived neurons and adipocytes, connecting cellular characteristics with transcription and epigenetic factors
- Unraveling the complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors in shaping cellular phenotypes and disease susceptibility
Education
Postdoctoral fellowship
- Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 2022
Degree
- Ph.D., Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Campinas, Brazil, 2013