Rafael Trindade Maia

Federal University of Campina Grande

Dr. Rafael Trindade Maia studied biological sciences at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil (2005). He received a master´s degree in Genetics, Conservation, and Evolutionary Biology from the National Institute of Amazonian Research, Brazil, in 2008, and a Ph.D. in Animal Biology from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2013. He is currently an adjunct professor at the Center for the Sustainable Development for Semiarid (CDSA) at Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Brazil. He has experience with population genetics, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and modeling and molecular dynamics of proteins. He works in science and biology education. Dr. Maia also leads the research groups Computational and Theoretical Biology (CTB) and Education in Sciences and Biology (ESB).

3books edited

4chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Rafael Trindade Maia

Genetic diversity is one of the measures of biodiversity and has consequences in biological variation. It is crucial to understand the evolutionary and adaptative processes in all living species. This book is an interdisciplinary and integrated work that will contribute to the knowledge of academics from different areas of biological sciences. This collection of scientific papers was chosen and analyzed to offer readers a broad and integrated view of the importance of genetic diversity in the evolution and adaptation of living beings, as well as practical applications of the information needed to analyze this diversity in different organisms. This book was edited by geneticist researchers and provides academics with up-to-date and quality information on the subject.

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Genetic Variation Edited by Rafael Trindade Maia

By Rafael Trindade Maia and Vinícius Costa Amador

In this chapter, we pointed some relevant results obtained by protein-ligand docking simulations in the context of insecticide and herbicide resistance performed by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a detoxifying superfamily enzyme. We present here some in silico evidences of GST binding against chemical insecticides in the malaria and dengue vectors (Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes) and against chemical herbicides used on rice (Oryza sativa) culture. Our findings suggest that some members from epsilon class (GSTE2, GSTE5) can metabolize some insecticide compounds and that a tau class member (GSTU4) can metabolize some herbicides. The results reinforce the importance of docking studies for enzyme activity comprehension. These information can allow in the future the implementation of new strategies for mosquito control and herbicide management on rice culture through biotechnological improvements designed to specific GST targets. Induced mutations on catalytic binding sites of GSTU4 could improve rice herbicide resistance and minimize produce damage, while rational compounds can be designed to inhibit GSTE members to decline insecticide resistance on mosquito control. In both cases, biotechnological tools could be developed focusing on GSTs that would reduce environmental impact by the use of insecticide and herbicide.

Part of the book: Molecular Docking

Introductory Chapter: Population Genetics - The Evolution Process as a Genetic Function

By Rafael Trindade Maia and Magnólia de Araújo Campos

Part of the book: Integrated View of Population Genetics

Introductory Chapter: Homology Modeling

By Rafael Trindade Maia, Magnólia de Araújo Campos and Rômulo Maciel de Moraes Filho

Part of the book: Homology Molecular Modeling

Introductory Chapter: Genetic Variation - The Source of Biological Diversity

By Rafael Trindade Maia and Magnólia de Araújo Campos

Part of the book: Genetic Variation