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Faculty and Staff Profiles |
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Profile PATRICIA DA SILVA PANTOJA NEWMAN
Address: 1675 Bryn Mawr Circle Email: patriciapantoj@gmail.com/pdnewman@memphis.edu Germantown, TN, 38138 Phone: (901) 518 2277 ORCID Number: 0000-0002-4621-7059 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-pantoja-newman-40531478 eRA COMMONS USERNAME (credential, e.g., agency login): ppantoja EDUCATION/TRAINING: INSTITUTION AND LOCATION DEGREE Start Date Completion Date FIELD OF STUDY Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil Bachelor 04/2003 11/2007 Nursing Science State University of Ceara, Brazil MBA 07/2008 12/2009 Occupational Health State University of Ceara, Brazil Masters 01/2014 03/2015 Physiology/ Pharmacology State University of Ceara, Brazil PhD 03/2015 02/2019 Physiology/ Pharmacology University of Tennessee - Memphis Postdoctoral Scholar 09/2021 05/2023 Physiology
Additional Information Summary
Seeking a challenging opportunity where I can utilize my strong scientific background as a scientist (11 years) and registered nurse (18 years) in clinical/population research, and my ability to combine the analytical skills and critical thinking of a scientist with the practical, hands-on expertise of a clinical health professional, allowing me to bridge the gap between theory and practice and grow personally and professionally As a Principal investigator, my research career began with master’s-level investigations of polysaccharides from Ximenia americana and their gastroprotective effects. During my PhD (2015–2019), I shifted focus to calcium signaling, examining how monosaccharides modulate intracellular calcium dynamics. A research period at the University of Liverpool further strengthened my expertise, particularly in CRAC channel physiology. The overarching goal of my research is to define how monosaccharides function as immune-supportive or therapeutic agents in immunosuppressive/inflammatory disorders. Specifically, I investigate the interaction between arabinose and calcium signaling, as well as its capacity to modulate calcium channel activity.
Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors
Positions and Employment
2008 – 2021 Nurse practitioner at an indigenous tribe in Brazil (Primary care) (2008 – 2013) Hospital Complex at Federal University of Ceará (2013 – 2015 and 2020 – 2021) General Hospital Dr. Waldemar de Alcântara (2008 – 2010) Provided comprehensive nursing care across multiple hospital and primary care settings, including ICU, surgical, postpartum, and infectious disease units (COVID Clinic). Delivered direct patient care and education, supported clinical procedures, and contributed to the implementation of care and research protocols. Delivered acute and primary care to diverse patient populations, including underserved and indigenous communities. Assisted in and coordinated clinical procedures in ICU, surgery, postpartum, and infectious disease units. Educated patients and families on treatment plans, medication use, and disease prevention. Conducted routine testing, administered medications, and performed clinical monitoring and documentation. Coordinated multidisciplinary care and supported clinical research and protocol implementation within hospital settings. Played an active role in infection control measures and COVID-19 response efforts during the pandemic. Contributed to community health promotion and education initiatives. 2010 – 2012 Supervisor at Program of Education for work and health, Brazil Federal program to directly contribute to the understanding and improvement of indigenous culture, supervising students, coordinating data collection, updating databases, preparing reports in public health education, and publishing papers. Supervisor: Maria Erivalda Farias de Aragão, PhD 2019 - 2020 Technician in innovation in science federal program, Brazil Investigation in pancreatitis: physiopathology mechanisms, visceral pain, and biomolecules writing paper reviews, present/publishing results, implementing protocols and leading projects. Supervisor: Pedro Marcos Gomes Soares, PhD 2019 – 2021 Professor at University UniFanor, Brazil I taught undergraduate courses in the Health Sciences program, covering a broad range of foundational and clinical subjects. Provided academic mentorship, supervised student research, and contributed to curriculum development. Delivered lectures and practical instruction in Physiology, Pharmacology, Embryology, Pathology, Immunology, Anatomy, and Public Health. Supervised undergraduate theses and guided students in clinical and population-based research projects. Supported student publications and presentations in healthcare and public health. Contributed to program development and academic excellence within the department. 2021 - 2023 Postdoctoral Scholar, UTHSC, Memphis, TN Investigation of calcium signaling in cardiac and vascular remodeling Supervisor: Salvatore Mancarella, Ph.D. 2023-2025 Clinical Research Coordinator and CRA I, College of Health Science, UM, Memphis, TN Served as lead coordinator for a federally funded UO1 study on cancer risk factors, acting as the primary liaison among participants, investigators, and collaborating institutions to ensure participant safety, ethical conduct, and regulatory compliance. Managed recruitment, informed consent, and longitudinal data collection, and performed DXA whole-body composition analyses along with advanced laboratory procedures (phlebotomy, flow cytometry, ELISA, Seahorse metabolic assays, immunoassays). Maintained comprehensive documentation and IRB-regulated reporting while overseeing laboratory operations, inventory, supply management, and training of staff and graduate students. Participated in IRB activities, contributed to protocol development, and prepared case reports. Supported scientific outputs through manuscript and abstract preparation and presentation of study findings. Provided mentorship to students and research personnel, contributing to training and education initiatives within the project. 2025-present Research Assistant Professor, College of Health Science, UM, Memphis, TN Lead coordinator for a multi-institutional cancer research study, overseeing participant interactions, ethical compliance, informed consent, recruitment, enrollment, and longitudinal data collection. Manage IRB-regulated reporting to collaborating institutions and supervise advanced laboratory procedures (DXA, phlebotomy, flow cytometry, ELISA, Seahorse assays, immunoassays) alongside lab operations, inventory, and biospecimen processing. Train and mentor staff and graduate students, develop protocols, prepare case reports, and support IRB and protocol development activities. Serve as Principal Investigator on an internal grant entitled “monosaccharide–immunomodulation” research (2026), contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, and grant proposals. Provide trainee mentorship, lead participant education efforts, and support clinical trial operations within a university-affiliated health center
Projects
2010 - 2012 Epidemiology study about the indigenous population Pitaguary 2014 - 2015 Evaluation of Ximenia americana Bark in gastritis-induced indomethacin 2015 - 2020 Effect of polysaccharides of Ximenia Americana Bark in acute pancreatitis induced by bile acid and alcohol in mice 2015 - 2018 Medicinal plants prevalent in the indigenous community Pitaguary, Maracanaú-CE 2021 - 2023 Calcium signaling in cardiac and vascular remodeling 2023 - present Cancer Risk Factors on Breast Cancer 2025 - present Impact of obesity on the mechanisms of pancreatitis: role of intestinal microbiota, mitochondrial metabolism and macrophages (PI collaborator) 2026 - present D-Arabinose as a Potential Modulator Of T-Cell Function
Contributions to Science
1. Natural products as a pharmacological target in gastrointestinal disease
a. Da Silva Pantoja, Patrícia; Assreuy, Ana Maria Sampaio; Silva, Renan Oliveira; Damasceno, Samara Rodrigues Bonfim; Mendonça, Vanessa Azevedo; Mendes, Tiago Santos; Morais, Jose Athayde Vasconcelos; De Almeida, Samira Lopes; Teixeira, Antônio Éder Enzo Albuquerque; De Souza, Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte; Pereira, Maria Gonçalves; Soares, Pedro Marcos Gomes. The Polysaccharide-Rich Tea Of Ximenia Americana Barks Prevents Indomethacin-Induced Gastrointestinal Damage Via Neutrophil Inhibition. Journal Of Ethnopharmacology. V.224, P.195- 201, 2018.
b. Da Cunha Jácome Marques, Fabrícia; Da Silva Pantoja, Patrícia; Matos, Victor Emanuel Araujo; Silva, Renan Oliveira; Damasceno, Samara Rodrigues Bonfim; Franco, Álvaro Xavier; Alves, Rômulo Couto; Justino, Priscilla Fernanda Campos; De Souza, Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte; Feitosa, Judith Pessoa Andrade; Castro, Rondinelle Ribeiro; Soares, Pedro Marcos Gomes. Galactomannan From The Seeds Of Caesalpinia Pulcherrima Prevents Indomethacin-Induced Gastrointestinal Damage Via Neutrophil Migration. International Journal Of Biological Macromolecules. V.19, P.32014 - 32018, 2019.
c. Damasceno, S. R. B.; Franco, A. X.; Quaresma, M.; Morais, C. M.; Marques, F. C. J.; Pantoja, P. S.; Mendonca, V. A.; Ostern, V. J. S.; Correia, J. L. A.; Assreuy, Ana Maria Sampaio; Sousa, M. H. L. P.; Nascimento, K. S.; Cavada, B. S.; Criddle, D. N.; Soares, P. M. G. Anti-Inflamatory And Anti-Necrotic Effects Of Lectins From Canavalia Brasilienses In Experimental Acute Pancreatitis. Glycoconjugate Journal. V.1, P.35239112 - , 2021.
d. Lima Frf, Monteiro Ceds, Damasceno Srb, Pantoja Pds, Franco Áx, Silva Ro, Sousa Jao, Mendes Ts, Lima Ma, Justino Pfc, De Souza Mhlp, Soares Pmg. Bacillus Clausii Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis In Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Dec 12;17(12):1676.
e. Pantoja, P. S.; Sousa, J. A. O. ; Lima, M. A. S. ; Nogueira, F. C. ; Pereira, M. G. ; Soares, P. M. G. . Polysaccharides Of Ximenia Americana’s Bark Reduces Interleukin-5 Levels (Il-5) Involved In Adaptive Immunity. In: Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro-Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais, 2015, Fortaleza. Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro-Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais. Campina Grande, 2015.V. 5. P. 90-91.
f. Pantoja, P. S.; Morais, J. A. V. ; Franca, F. V. ; Pereira, M. G. ; Soares, P. M. G. ; Damasceno, S. R. B. . Action Assessment Of Polysaccharides Ximenia Americana’s Bark In Mucus-Bicarbonate Barrier. In: Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro-Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais, 2015, Fortalea. Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro-Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais, 2015.
g. Pantoja, P. S.; Sousa, J. A. O. ; Silva, F. M. ; Soares, P. M. G. ; Pereira, M. G. ; Mendonca, V. A. . Action Assessment Of Polysaccharides Of Ximenia Americana’s Bark In Oxidative Stress By Glutathione Reduced. In: Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro-Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais, 2015, Fortaleza. Iv Simpósio Norte, Nordeste E Centro- Oeste De Anatomia E Ii Jornada Cearense De Ciências Morfofuncionais, 2015.
2. Calcium signaling and pharmacological manipulation
a. Mancarella, Salvatore ; Pantoja, Patricia ; Saxena, Sheena ; Bajwa, Amandeep . Abstract P2105: Store-Operated Channels Mediate Metabolic Adaptations In Activated Fibroblast During Cardiac Fibrosis. Circulation Research, V. 133, P. 1-1, 2023.
b. Pantoja Newman PDS, Bajwa A, De Mario A, Mammucari C, Mancarella S. Orai channel pharmacological manipulation reduces metabolic flexibility in cardiac fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00822.2024. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40298968.
c. Mancarella, Salvatore ; Pantoja, Patricia ; Saxena, Sheena ; Bajwa, Amandeep . Abstract P2105: Store-Operated Channels Mediate Metabolic Adaptations In Activated Fibroblast During Cardiac Fibrosis. Circulation Research, V. 133, P. 1-1, 2023
3. Cancer and Immunomodulation
a. Bohm MS, Joseph SC, Sipe LM, Kim M, Leathem CT, Mims TS, Willis NB, Tanveer UA, Elasy JH, Grey EW, Pye ME, Mustafa ZT, Harper BA, McGrath LG, Daria D, Landvoigt Schmitt B, Myers JA, Pantoja Newman P, Pence BD, Van der Merwe M, Davis MJ, Pierre JF, Makowski L. The gut microbiome enhances breast cancer immunotherapy following bariatric surgery. JCI Insight. 2025 Apr 24:e187683. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.187683. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40272913.
b. Newman, P.P.; Schmitt, B.L.; Maurmann, R.M.; Pence, B.D. Polysaccharides with Arabinose: Key Players in Reducing Chronic Inflammation and Enhancing Immune Health in Aging. Molecules 2025, 30, 1178.
c. Schmitt, Brenda Landvoigt; Da Pantoja, Patricia Silva; Pence, Brandt D. Arabinose Mitigate Metabolic Stress In Inflammaging. Innovation In Aging, V. 8, P. 1133-1133, 2024.
4. Public Health
a. Sousa, J. A. O. ; Pantoja, P. S. ; Filho, Aec ; Moreira, T. F. ; Matos, Kjn ; Aragao, Mef . Abordagem Terapêutica E Educação Em Saúde Na Adesão Medicamentosa De Pacientes Portadores De Doenças Crônicas Na Comunidade Indígena Pytaguary ? Maracanaú/Ce . In: Xx Semana Universitária Uece, 2015, Fortaleza. Uece: 40 Anos Construindo Saberes, 20 Anos Compartilhando Experiências, 2015.
b. Matos, Kjn ; Pantoja, P. S. ; Aragao, Mef . Factors Associated To Mood Disorders During Pregnancy In Brazilian Indian Women. In: 5th Biennial Conference Of The International Society For Bipolar Disorders, 2011, Istambul. 5th Biennial Conference Of The International Society For Bipolar Disorders. Copenhagen: Wiley Blackwell Munskgaard, 2011. V. 14. P. 126-127.
c. Filho, Aec ; Machado, Dp ; Matos, Kjn ; Aragao, Mef ; Pantoja, P. S. . Prevalence Of Depression Among Indigenous Elders From The Santo Antônio Pitaguary Community ? Brazil. In: 5th Biennial Conference Of The International Society For Bipolar Disorders, 2011, Istambul. 5th Biennial Conference Of The International Society For Bipolar Disorders. Copenhagen: Wiley Blackwell Munskgaard, 2011. V. 14. P. 126-126.
5. Publication of a chapter about Pancreatitis originated from my PhD
a. Soares, Pedro Marcos Gomes; Pantoja, P. S.; Silva, K. E. S. E.; Damasceno, S. R. B. In: Sato- Tratado De Fisiologia Medica.1 Ed. Rio De Janeiro: Editora Guanabara Koogan Ltda, 2021, v.1, p. 488-493 (https://www.grupogen.com.br/tratado-de-fisiologia-medica)
Education
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