Dr. Marcelo Ozu | Acuaporinas | Mechanics Pioneer Achievement Award
Investigador Adjunto at Universidad de Buenos Aires This link is disable, Argentina
👨🔬 Researcher at CONICET (2019–present), professor at UBA (2024–present), with a focus on animal physiology. 🎓 Trained in biological sciences, with extensive teaching and research in physiology and biophysics. 🧬 Passionate about advancing scientific knowledge in evolutionary biology. 🌱
Publication Profile
Education🎓
Doctorate in Biological Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires (2008). 📚 Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology) from UBA (2001). 🇬🇧 First Certificate in English from the University of Cambridge (1993). 📖
Experience🧑🏫
Researcher at CONICET (2019–present). 👨🏫 Head of Practical Work, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, UBA (2024–present). 📚 Head of Practical Work, UBA (2017–2024). 🔬 Assistant Professor, UBA Department of Physiology and Biophysics (2006–2016). 💼 Experienced in academic and research roles across biological departments. 🧑🔬
Awards and Honors🏅
Numerous recognitions for academic excellence and contributions to the field of animal physiology. 🏆 Recognition as a leading academic figure in physiology at UBA. 🎖 Awards for research excellence and contributions to scientific understanding. 🌟
Research Focus🔬
Specializes in animal physiology, focusing on evolutionary biology and the relationship between organismal behavior and environmental factors. 🧬 Examines animal adaptations to different habitats and physiological processes. 🌱 Works on enhancing biodiversity and conservation efforts through scientific research
Publications 📖
Title: Membrane tension-dependent conformational change of Isoleucine 106 of loop B diminishes water permeability in FaPIP2;1
Authors: Caviglia, A., Espinoza-Muñoz, N., Alvear-Arias, J.J., Ozu, M., Garate, J.A.
Journal: Protein Science (2024)
DOI: 33(12), e5204
This study examines how membrane tension affects the conformational change of Isoleucine 106 in loop B of the aquaporin FaPIP2;1, leading to reduced water permeability.
Title: Mechanosensitive aquaporins
Authors: Ozu, M., Galizia, L., Alvear-Arias, J.J., Amodeo, G., Garate, J.A.
Journal: Biophysical Reviews (2023)
DOI: 15(4), pp. 497–513
This review explores the mechanosensitivity of aquaporins, focusing on their role in membrane dynamics and water transport.
Title: Aquaporin Gating: A New Twist to Unravel Permeation through Water Channels
Authors: Ozu, M., Alvear-Arias, J.J., Fernandez, M., Amodeo, G., Gonzalez, C.
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022)
DOI: 23(20), 12317
This paper discusses the mechanisms behind aquaporin gating and its implications for water channel permeability.
Title: Aquaporins: More than functional monomers in a tetrameric arrangement
Authors: Ozu, M., Galizia, L., Acuña, C., Amodeo, G.
Journal: Cells (2018)
DOI: 7(11), 209
This article examines the tetrameric structure of aquaporins and their functional significance beyond monomeric arrangements.
Title: Plant and animal aquaporins crosstalk: what can be revealed from distinct perspectives
Authors: Sutka, M., Amodeo, G., Ozu, M.
Journal: Biophysical Reviews (2017)
DOI: 9(5), pp. 545–562
This review addresses the interaction and shared mechanisms of aquaporins in plants and animals.
Title: Tonoplast (BvTIP1;2) and plasma membrane (BvPIP2;1) aquaporins show different mechanosensitive properties
Authors: Goldman, R.P., Jozefkowicz, C., Canessa Fortuna, A., Alleva, K., Ozu, M.
Journal: FEBS Letters (2017)
DOI: 591(11), pp. 1555–1565
This study compares the mechanosensitive properties of tonoplast and plasma membrane aquaporins.
Conclusion
The candidate brings significant strengths in biological mechanics, membrane protein dynamics, and mechanosensitive systems. However, while their research touches on mechanical principles at the cellular level, a direct connection to mechanical engineering or applied mechanics is less evident. To enhance their suitability for the Research for Mechanics Pioneer Achievement Award, they could consider expanding their work into biomechanics, bioengineering, or collaborations with mechanical researchers.