Ana Arruda

Ana Arruda is an Assistant Professor affiliated with the Department of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology. Her research focuses on understanding how organelle architecture and inter-organelle communication regulate systemic metabolism, particularly in metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. She leads the Arruda Lab, which employs advanced imaging techniques and genetic/pharmacological interventions to explore ER-mitochondria dynamics, calcium signaling, and metabolic stress responses.

• 2025: Named Hellman Fellow for lab funding
• 2024: Published breakthrough work on subcellular zonation and cholesterol crystal formation
• 2023: Explored ER quality control and ubiquinone metabolism in obesity

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on organelle structural dynamics, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction across conditions like fasting, obesity, and diabetes. The lab actively trains students (Kalina and Karina) and seeks diverse researchers to expand their work on metabolic disease interventions.