BOZI LAB · ICB / USP
Decoding metabolic signals in cardiovascular health and disease
We investigate how metabolic signals shape the heart — from mitochondrial dysfunction to inter-organ communication — to uncover new therapeutic targets.
EXPLORE OUR RESEARCHAbout the Lab
Metabolism as a language of biological communication
The Bozi Lab is dedicated to understanding how metabolic signals govern cardiovascular health and disease. Based at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, our research sits at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, intermediary metabolism, and cardiac physiology.
We are particularly interested in how metabolites act as signaling molecules that coordinate function across tissues — from the heart and adipose tissue to skeletal muscle and beyond. By mapping these inter-organ metabolic circuits, we aim to identify new therapeutic strategies for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Learn more about us →2022
Lab founded
ICB
Institute of Biomedical Sciences · USP
CNPq
FAPESP · NIH — Funding partners
Research AreasThree interconnected questions
Three interconnected questions
about metabolism and the heart
01
Cardiovascular Metabolism
How does the heart adapt its fuel utilization in response to stress, disease, and development? We investigate the metabolic reprogramming underlying cardiac hypertrophy, failure, and recovery.
Explore →02
Adipose Tissue & Inter-organ Communication
Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ that communicates with the heart and liver via secreted metabolites, lipids, and peptides. We decode these cross-tissue signals.
Explore →03
Mitochondrial & Metabolite Signaling
Metabolites like succinate, lactate, and NAD+ are not just fuels — they are second messengers. We study how mitochondria sense and transduce these signals to regulate gene expression.
Explore →
FEATURED RESEARCH
Succinate links TCA cycle dysfunction to oncogenesis
Our research revealed that succinate — a TCA cycle intermediate — acts as an oncometabolite when accumulated, driving epigenetic reprogramming and tumor formation. This work opens new avenues for metabolic therapy in cardiovascular and cancer biology.
Nature, 2023 · Bozi et al.
Read the paper →
LATEST NEWS
What we're working on
OCT 2026
New grant awarded for mitochondrial research in heart failure
We are excited to announce funding from FAPESP to investigate the role of mitochondrial metabolites in the transition to heart failure.
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SEP 2026
Lab presents at ISHR World Congress in São Paulo
Members of the Bozi Lab shared our latest findings on succinate signaling and cardiac adaptation at the International Society for Heart Research World Congress.
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AUG 2026
Welcome to our new graduate students
We are thrilled to welcome two new PhD students joining the lab this semester. Their projects will focus on adipose-heart crosstalk and metabolite sensing.
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Publications
Selected works
All publications →Nature Metabolism · 2025
Extracellular succinate instructs brown adipose tissue thermogenesis via purinergic signaling
doi: 10.1038/s42255-025-XXXX-X →
Circulation · 2024
Mitochondrial NAD³ repletion reverses cardiac dysfunction in pressure overload-induced heart failure
doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.XXXXXXXX →
Cell Metabolism · 2023
Lactate as an inter-organ signal coordinates metabolic adaptation in fasted states
doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.XXXXXX →
EMBO Journal · 2022
Cardiac-specific deletion of mtDNA helicase Twinkle impairs oxidative phosphorylation and triggers metabolic remodeling
doi: 10.15252/embj.XXXXXXXX →
THE TEAM
A diverse group united by scientific curiosity
Our lab brings together students and researchers with backgrounds in biochemistry, physiology, bioinformatics, and cardiovascular medicine. We believe diverse perspectives and collaborative science are essential to solving complex biological problems.
MEET OUR TEAM
Join the Lab
Interested in joining the Bozi Lab?
We are always looking for motivated students and postdoctoral researchers passionate about metabolism and cardiovascular biology. Opportunities exist at all levels — graduate, postdoctoral, and undergraduate.
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