Rafael Maia

Federal University of Campina Grande

Dr. Rafael Trindade Maia studied Biological Sciences at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil. 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), 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 Computational and Theoretical Biology (CTB) and Education in Sciences and Biology (ESB) research groups.

4books edited

5chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Rafael Maia

Population genetics is a theoretical field of biology that studies allelic and genetic frequencies in living organisms, thus allowing us to infer what evolutionary processes are acting on individuals over generations and predict the adaptive consequences of these changes in the gene pool. Knowing the structure and genetic diversity of populations is essential for a proper understanding of the evolution, speciation processes, and dynamics of living beings. This knowledge is extremely useful for some practical applications, such as species management and conservation strategies, vector and pathogen monitoring and control, plant and animal breeding, and genetic improvement. This book includes carefully selected works in population genetics reviewed by geneticists.

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Population Genetics

Edited by Rafael Maia

Books edited

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

Introductory Chapter: Population Genetics

By Rafael Trindade Maia and Magnólia Campos de Araújo