Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Overview
I am an enthusiastic Biologist, with MSc and PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology. I have experience leading different projects on biomedical research, from skin wound healing to cancer, from natural products to nanomedicine tools. My most ambitious goal is to contribute for overcoming the cancer therapy-related challenge of avoiding the severe adverse effects caused by toxic drugs on healthy tissues, seeking to obtain the maximum efficiency of diverse therapeutic systems in the absence of toxicity. On one side, I investigate the power of oncology nanomedicine, by discovering/designing simple, relatively low cost and efficient nanoparticles that could either have intrinsic antitumor action or specifically deliver drugs into tumor sites in a controlled manner. On the other side, I look for molecules found in nature (plants, fungi, animals) that can either directly fight tumors or stimulate the immune system to do so. Nowadays, I focus my investigation on the role of extracellular vesicles and their specific molecular components that can interact with the tumor microenvironment, in order to explore them and develop nanomedicine devices for cancer diagnosis and therapy. The diversity of scientific subjects that I experienced so far during my academic formation (from chemistry to biomedicine) thought me that all life processes are somehow connected. That is why I believe in all science fields working together in a multidisciplinary effort to understand the mechanisms behind life and to find creative solutions for overcoming diseases.
Qualifications
- PhD Dilpoma
Publications
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Journal Article: Extracellular vesicle lipids in cancer immunoevasion
Chen, Siyu, Iannotta, Dalila, O'Mara, Megan L., Goncalves, Jenifer Pendiuk and Wolfram, Joy (2023). Extracellular vesicle lipids in cancer immunoevasion. Trends in Cancer. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.08.006
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Journal Article: Hyaluronic acid: An overlooked extracellular vesicle contaminant
Goncalves, Jenifer P., Ghebosu, Raluca E., Tan, Xuan Ning Sharon, Iannotta, Dalila, Koifman, Na'ama and Wolfram, Joy (2023). Hyaluronic acid: An overlooked extracellular vesicle contaminant. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12 (9) 12362. doi: 10.1002/jev2.12362
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Journal Article: Temperature influence on NiFeMo nanoparticles magnetic properties and their viability in biomedical applications
Muchenski, Fabio, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Ribeiro, Yasmin Carla, Franco, Célia Regina Cavichiolo, de Oliveira, Carolina Camargo, Marcon, Bruna Hilzendeger, Robert, Anny, de Medeiros, Lia Carolina Soares, de Oliveira, Ronei Cardoso, de Oliveira, Adilson Jesus Aparecido and Mattoso, Ney (2023). Temperature influence on NiFeMo nanoparticles magnetic properties and their viability in biomedical applications. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 111 (8), 1488-1498. doi: 10.1002/jbm.b.35248
Grants
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(2023–2026) NHMRC MRFF EMCR - Early to Mid-Career Researchers
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(2023–2024) SARTORIUS STEDIM AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD
Supervision
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Characterizing the role of extracellular vesicle associated glycans on inflammation, cell growth and biodistribution
Doctor Philosophy
Available Projects
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Development of extracellular vesicles-based senotherapeutics
Stresses such as obesity and chronic inflammation induce cellular senescence in normal cells. Senescent cells in the body induce a phenomenon called SASP (senescence-associated secretary phenotype), which increases the secretion of inflammatory proteins and extracellular vesicles, thereby inducing chronic inflammation and promoting the onset of various inflammatory diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the development of drugs that selectively kill senescent cells accumulated in the body (senolytic drugs) has recently been progressing.
This project will develop an innovative senotherapeutics that selectively eliminates senescent cells by loading senolytic drugs into extracellular vesicles. It is expected that it will reduce the onset of various age-related diseases and extend healthy life expectancy.
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Next-generation extracellular vesicle therapeutics
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small biomolecular packages (released locally and systemically) that are crucial for intercellular communication. EVs have promising potential to be leveraged and engineered to provide a paradigm shift in cell-free therapy. Unresolved challenges in the field include scalable manufacturing, understanding therapeutic/pathological mechanisms, and capacity to use extracellular vesicles for drug delivery.
We are leveraging innovations that our team has established in manufacturing, biological mechanisms, and drug loading of EVs to develop therapeutics to alter the trajectory of disease, improve patient outcomes, and prolong a healthy lifespan.
-
Effects of extracellular vesicle-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression
Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles with critical implications for cancer progression and immunosuppression. Published studies assessing the mechanisms of EVs in cancer progression have solely focused on protein or microRNA cargo, despite the overall importance of glycans in directly regulating interactions with cells and the microenvironment.
This project will evaluate the effects of EV-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression. We envision leveraging the obtained knowledge about EV-associated glycans’ impact on cancer progression to improve cancer diagnostics and develop innovative nano-drug-delivery systems.
Publications
Journal Article
-
Extracellular vesicle lipids in cancer immunoevasion
Chen, Siyu, Iannotta, Dalila, O'Mara, Megan L., Goncalves, Jenifer Pendiuk and Wolfram, Joy (2023). Extracellular vesicle lipids in cancer immunoevasion. Trends in Cancer. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.08.006
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Hyaluronic acid: An overlooked extracellular vesicle contaminant
Goncalves, Jenifer P., Ghebosu, Raluca E., Tan, Xuan Ning Sharon, Iannotta, Dalila, Koifman, Na'ama and Wolfram, Joy (2023). Hyaluronic acid: An overlooked extracellular vesicle contaminant. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12 (9) 12362. doi: 10.1002/jev2.12362
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Muchenski, Fabio, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Ribeiro, Yasmin Carla, Franco, Célia Regina Cavichiolo, de Oliveira, Carolina Camargo, Marcon, Bruna Hilzendeger, Robert, Anny, de Medeiros, Lia Carolina Soares, de Oliveira, Ronei Cardoso, de Oliveira, Adilson Jesus Aparecido and Mattoso, Ney (2023). Temperature influence on NiFeMo nanoparticles magnetic properties and their viability in biomedical applications. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 111 (8), 1488-1498. doi: 10.1002/jbm.b.35248
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Pendiuk Goncalves, Jenifer, Walker, Sierra A., Aguilar Díaz de león, Jesús S., Yang, Yubo, Davidovich, Irina, Busatto, Sara, Sarkaria, Jann, Talmon, Yeshayahu, Borges, Chad R. and Wolfram, Joy (2023). Glycan node analysis detects varying glycosaminoglycan levels in melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24 (10) 8506, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/ijms24108506
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Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Promlok, Duangkamol, Ivanov, Tsvetomir, Tao, Shijia, Rheinberger, Timo, Jo, Seong‐Min, Yu, Yingjie, Graf, Robert, Wagner, Manfred, Crespy, Daniel, Wurm, Frederik R., Caire da Silva, Lucas, Jiang, Shuai and Landfester, Katharina (2023). Confining the sol‐gel reaction at the water/oil interface: creating compartmentalized enzymatic nano‐organelles for artificial cells. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62 (11) e202216966, 1-9. doi: 10.1002/anie.202216966
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Grodniski, D. C., Benatto, L., Gonçalves, J. P., de Oliveira, C. C., Pacheco, K. R. M., Adad, L. B., Coturi, V. M., Roman, L. S. and Koehler, M. (2023). High photothermal conversion efficiency for semiconducting polymer/fullerene nanoparticles and its correlation with photoluminescence quenching. Materials Advances, 4 (2), 486-503. doi: 10.1039/d2ma00912a
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Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Promlok, Duangkamol, Ivanov, Tsvetomir, Tao, Shijia, Rheinberger, Timo, Jo, Seong-Min, Yu, Yingjie, Graf, Robert, Wagner, Manfred, Crespy, Daniel, Wurm, Frederik, Silva, Lucas Caire da, Jiang, Shuai and Landfester, Katharina (2022). Confining the Sol‐Gel Reaction at the Water/Oil Interface: Creating Compartmentalized Enzymatic Nano‐Organelles for Artificial Cells. Angewandte Chemie, 135 (11). doi: 10.1002/ange.202216966
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Sucrose-based cryoprotective storage of extracellular vesicles
Walker, Sierra A., Davidovich, Irina, Yang, Yubo, Lai, Andrew, Goncalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Deliwala, Vatsal, Busatto, Sara, Shapiro, Shane, Koifman, Na’ama, Salomon, Carlos, Talmon, Yeshayahu and Wolfram, Joy (2022). Sucrose-based cryoprotective storage of extracellular vesicles. Extracellular Vesicle, 1 100016, 100016. doi: 10.1016/j.vesic.2022.100016
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The cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicle glycocode in immunoevasion
Goncalves, Jenifer P., Deliwala, Vatsal J., Kolarich, Daniel, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Wolfram, Joy (2022). The cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicle glycocode in immunoevasion. Trends in Immunology, 43 (11), 864-867. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2022.09.004
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Uremic toxins activate CREB/ATF1 in endothelial cells related to chronic kidney disease
Stafim da Cunha, Regiane, Gregório, Paulo Cézar, Maciel, Rayana Ariane Pereira, Favretto, Giane, Franco, Célia Regina Cavichiolo, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, de Azevedo, Marina Luise Viola, Pecoits-Filho, Roberto and Stinghen, Andréa Emilia Marques (2022). Uremic toxins activate CREB/ATF1 in endothelial cells related to chronic kidney disease. Biochemical Pharmacology, 198 114984, 114984. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114984
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Biocompatible gum arabic-gold nanorod composite as an effective therapy for mistreated melanomas
Gonçalves, Jenifer P., da Cruz, Anderson F., Nunes, Ábner M., Meneghetti, Mario R., de Barros, Heloise R., Borges, Beatriz S., de Medeiros, Lia C.A.S., Soares, Maurilio J., dos Santos, Mayara P., Grassi, Marco T., Rossi, Gustavo R., Bellan, Daniel L., Biscaia, Stellee M.P., Cristal, Aline M., Buzzo, João L.A., Ribeiro, Yasmin C., Acco, Alexandra, Cardoso, Mateus B., Simas, Fernanda F., Trindade, Edvaldo S., Riegel-Vidotti, Izabel C. and de Oliveira, Carolina C. (2021). Biocompatible gum arabic-gold nanorod composite as an effective therapy for mistreated melanomas. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 185, 551-561. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.172
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The oil from Moringa oleifera seeds accelerates chronic skin wound healing
Ventura, Ana Clara Sans Salomão Brunow, de Paula, Thalita, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Soley, Bruna da Silva, Cretella, Ananda Beatriz Munhoz, Otuki, Michel Fleith and Cabrini, Daniela Almeida (2021). The oil from Moringa oleifera seeds accelerates chronic skin wound healing. Phytomedicine Plus, 1 (3) 100099, 100099. doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100099
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In vitro biocompatibility screening of a colloidal gum Arabic-polyaniline conducting nanocomposite
Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, de Oliveira, Carolina Camargo, da Silva Trindade, Edvaldo, Riegel-Vidotti, Izabel Cristina, Vidotti, Marcio and Simas, Fernanda Fogagnoli (2021). In vitro biocompatibility screening of a colloidal gum Arabic-polyaniline conducting nanocomposite. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 173, 109-117. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.101
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Bellan, D.L., Biscaia, S.M.P., Rossi, G.R., Cristal, A.M., Gonçalves, J.P., Oliveira, C.C., Simas, F.F., Sabry, D.A., Rocha, H.A.O., Franco, C.R.C., Chammas, R., Gillies, R.J. and Trindade, E.S. (2020). Green does not always mean go: a sulfated galactan from Codium isthmocladum green seaweed reduces melanoma metastasis through direct regulation of malignancy features. Carbohydrate Polymers, 250 116869, 116869. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116869
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Beyond gold nanoparticles cytotoxicity: potential to impair metastasis hallmarks
Pendiuk Gonçalves, Jenifer, Fraga da Cruz, Anderson, Ribeiro de Barros, Heloise, Santana Borges, Beatriz, Almeida Soares de Medeiros, Lia Carolina, Soares, Maurilio José, Padovan dos Santos, Mayara, Grassi, Marco Tadeu, Chandra, Anil, del Mercato, Loretta Laureana, Rodrigues Rossi, Gustavo, da Silva Trindade, Edvaldo, Riegel-Vidotti, Izabel Cristina and Camargo de Oliveira, Carolina (2020). Beyond gold nanoparticles cytotoxicity: potential to impair metastasis hallmarks. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 157, 221-232. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.10.019
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The antitumor effect of heparin is not mediated by direct NK cell activation
Rossi, Gustavo R., Gonçalves, Jenifer P., McCulloch, Timothy, Delconte, Rebecca B., Hennessy, Robert J., Huntington, Nicholas D., Trindade, Edvaldo S. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). The antitumor effect of heparin is not mediated by direct NK cell activation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9 (8) 2666, 2666-11. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082666
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Lack of lymphocytes impairs macrophage polarization and angiogenesis in diabetic wound healing
Seraphim, Patricia M., Leal, Ermelindo C., Moura, João, Gonçalves, Pedro, Gonçalves, Jenifer P. and Carvalho, Eugénia (2020). Lack of lymphocytes impairs macrophage polarization and angiogenesis in diabetic wound healing. Life Sciences, 254 117813, 117813. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117813
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Bellan, D. L., Mazepa, E., Biscaia, S. M. P., Gonçalves, J. P., Oliveira, C. C., Rossi, G. R., Ferreira, L. G., Noseda, M. D., Trindade, E. S., Duarte, M. E. R. and Franco, C. R. C. (2020). Non-cytotoxic sulfated heterorhamnan from Gayralia brasiliensis green seaweed reduces driver features of melanoma metastatic progression. Marine Biotechnology, 22 (2), 194-206. doi: 10.1007/s10126-020-09944-9
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Teruya, Rúbia Eri, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, de Oliveira, Carolina Camargo and Marino, Cláudia Eliana Bruno (2019). Zirconia activation by ultraviolet irradiation and O2 plasma to obtain hydrophilic surface for implantology. Materials Research Express, 6 (8) 085414. doi: 10.1088/2053-1591/ab26c5
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Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Potrich, Francine Bittencourt, Dos Santos, Maria Luiza Ferreira, Gagosian, Viviana Stephanie Costa, Rossi, Gustavo Rodrigues, Thiago, Jacomasso, Mendes, Aline, Nader, Helena Bonciani, Winnischofer, Sheila Maria Brochado, Trindade, Edvaldo S. and De Oliveira, Carolina Camargo (2019). In vitro attenuation of classic metastatic melanoma-related features by highly diluted natural complexes: molecular and functional analyses. International Journal of Oncology, 55 (3), 721-732. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4846
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Leme, Daniela Morais, Sehr, Andrea, Grummt, Tamara, Gonçalves, Jenifer Pendiuk, Jacomasso, Thiago, Winnischofer, Sheila Maria Brochado, Potrich, Francine Bittencourt, Oliveira, Carolina Camargo de, Trindade, Edvaldo da Silva and de Oliveira, Danielle Palma (2018). In vitro characterization of cutaneous immunotoxicity of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) exposed to reactive and disperse textile dyes. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A: Current Issues, 81 (13), 589-603. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1464981
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Biscaia, S. M.P., Carbonero, E. R., Bellan, D. L., Borges, B. S., Costa, C. R., Rossi, G. R., Gonçalves, J. P., Melo, C. M., Lívero, F. A.R., Ruthes, A. C., Zotz, R., Silva, E. V., Oliveira, C. C., Acco, A., Nader, H. B., Chammas, R., Iacomini, M., Franco, C. R.C. and Trindade, E. S. (2017). Safe therapeutics of murine melanoma model using a novel antineoplasic, the partially methylated mannogalactan from Pleurotus eryngii. Carbohydrate Polymers, 178, 95-104. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.08.117
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de Oliveira, Carolina C., Abud, Ana P. R., de Oliveira, Simone M., de SF Guimarães, Fernando, de Andrade, Lucas F., Di Bernardi, Raffaello P., de O Coletto, Ediely L., Kuczera, Diogo, Da Lozzo, Eneida J., Gonçalves, Jenifer P., da S Trindade, Edvaldo and de F Buchi, Dorly (2011). Developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics: highly diluted tinctures act as biological response modifiers. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11 (1) 101. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-101
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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(2023–2026) NHMRC MRFF EMCR - Early to Mid-Career Researchers
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(2023–2024) SARTORIUS STEDIM AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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Characterizing the role of extracellular vesicle associated glycans on inflammation, cell growth and biodistribution
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Possible Research Projects
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
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Development of extracellular vesicles-based senotherapeutics
Stresses such as obesity and chronic inflammation induce cellular senescence in normal cells. Senescent cells in the body induce a phenomenon called SASP (senescence-associated secretary phenotype), which increases the secretion of inflammatory proteins and extracellular vesicles, thereby inducing chronic inflammation and promoting the onset of various inflammatory diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the development of drugs that selectively kill senescent cells accumulated in the body (senolytic drugs) has recently been progressing.
This project will develop an innovative senotherapeutics that selectively eliminates senescent cells by loading senolytic drugs into extracellular vesicles. It is expected that it will reduce the onset of various age-related diseases and extend healthy life expectancy.
-
Next-generation extracellular vesicle therapeutics
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small biomolecular packages (released locally and systemically) that are crucial for intercellular communication. EVs have promising potential to be leveraged and engineered to provide a paradigm shift in cell-free therapy. Unresolved challenges in the field include scalable manufacturing, understanding therapeutic/pathological mechanisms, and capacity to use extracellular vesicles for drug delivery.
We are leveraging innovations that our team has established in manufacturing, biological mechanisms, and drug loading of EVs to develop therapeutics to alter the trajectory of disease, improve patient outcomes, and prolong a healthy lifespan.
-
Effects of extracellular vesicle-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression
Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles with critical implications for cancer progression and immunosuppression. Published studies assessing the mechanisms of EVs in cancer progression have solely focused on protein or microRNA cargo, despite the overall importance of glycans in directly regulating interactions with cells and the microenvironment.
This project will evaluate the effects of EV-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression. We envision leveraging the obtained knowledge about EV-associated glycans’ impact on cancer progression to improve cancer diagnostics and develop innovative nano-drug-delivery systems.
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Development of hybrid nanosystem libraries
Liposomes are self-assembling lipid-based nanoparticles that enclose an aqueous core. An advantage of liposomes is versatility in terms of efficient loading of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutics. Liposomes represent the largest category of clinically approved nanoparticles, but they have simple surfaces that display limited biointerfacing properties.
In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have captured considerable interest due to their involvement in multiple physiological and pathological processes. EVs are cell-released nanoparticles that display complex surfaces with organotropic features, making them attractive as drug delivery systems. However, EVs also display disadvantages, such as reduced drug loading efficiency compared to synthetic counterparts.
In this project, a library of hybrid nanosystems with various liposome and EV components will be developed. The hybrid nanosystems will be characterized and assessed in terms of loading efficiency (therapeutic peptides) and organotropism.
