Ana Mendes-Silva

Dr. Ana Mendes-Silva serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry within the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, building on prior postdoctoral research at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Her academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (top-ranked Brazilian university)
• Master of Science in Genetics (top-ranked Brazilian university)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Medicine (top-ranked Brazilian university)

Her research program pioneers the investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction as a biological cornerstone of psychiatric disorders. Using an integrated toolkit of TALED genome editing, mitochondrial DNA bioinformatics, Drosophila melanogaster models, and electrochemical biosensors, she identifies biomarkers linked to inflammation and oxidative stress in mood/psychosis spectrum disorders. This work targets the development of mitochondria-specific therapeutics to address treatment-resistant cases, emphasizing translational pathways from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications.

Her active laboratory program requires substantial grant support for advanced genomic and bioengineering methodologies. While current student appointments aren't specified, graduate opportunities likely exist for researchers skilled in molecular psychiatry techniques. Her work connects fundamental mitochondrial biology with urgent clinical needs in late-onset and severe mental illnesses.