Project Scientist at UCSD, United States
Dr. Janaina Sena Boyce is a highly accomplished neuroscientist and stem cell researcher with extensive experience in modeling neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. She currently serves as an Assistant Project Scientist at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where she leads and contributes to innovative research involving human iPSCs, cerebral organoids, and assembloids. Her work is instrumental in advancing understanding of disorders such as Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease, and in driving forward human model-based drug discovery platforms.
Academic Profile
Education
Dr. Boyce holds a Ph.D. in Science (Medicine – Endocrinology) from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil (2016), where she focused on molecular endocrinology and neuroscience. She earned a Master of Science in Human Physiology from the University of São Paulo (2010), deepening her expertise in physiological processes relevant to brain function and disorders. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Brazil (2007). Throughout her education, she developed skills in molecular biology, stem cell culture, and animal modeling, setting a solid foundation for her later research in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease modeling using stem cell technologies and organoids.
Experience
Currently, Dr. Boyce serves as an Assistant Project Scientist at UC San Diego, leading research on neural organoids and stem cell models since 2022. She collaborates on project design, trains students and technicians, and secures funding while acting as a junior principal investigator. From 2019 to 2022, she was a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at UC San Diego, mentoring lab personnel in stem cell culture. Earlier, she worked in Brazil at the Federal University of São Paulo and Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, focusing on thyroid hormone effects in Alzheimer’s models and autism spectrum disorders. Her roles involved extensive collaboration, protocol development, and participation in national and international scientific meetings, highlighting her ability to manage complex neuroscience projects and train the next generation of researchers.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Boyce has received several notable recognitions throughout her career. She earned an Honorable Mention at the Encontro Brasileiro de Tiróide in 2016 for her contributions to thyroid and neuroscience research. Her doctoral studies were supported by a prestigious PhD Fellowship from the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Research from 2012 to 2016, recognizing her academic excellence and research potential. In 2009, she was awarded another Honorable Mention at the XXIV Reunião da Federação das Sociedades de Biologia Experimental. These accolades highlight her consistent dedication to scientific inquiry and impact in endocrinology and neuroscience. Additionally, she holds memberships in respected professional organizations, including the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia (SBFIS), reflecting her active engagement with the scientific community.
Research Focus
Dr. Boyce’s research centers on using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and brain organoids to model neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. She develops cortical, hindbrain, and thalamic organoids and cerebral assembloids to mimic brain structure and function, providing platforms for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. Her work combines molecular biology, cell culture, microscopy, and assay optimization to investigate cellular phenotypes and neural circuitry alterations. Dr. Boyce also explores thyroid hormone regulation’s role in brain development and pathology, linking endocrine factors to neurological outcomes. Her multidisciplinary approach leverages both 2D and 3D neural cultures, advanced imaging, and statistical analysis, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets and deepen understanding of CNS diseases. She emphasizes translational applications to accelerate the development of effective treatments.
Notable Publications
Embryonic origin of two ASD subtypes of social symptom severity: the larger the brain cortical organoid size, the more severe the social symptoms
- Authors: Courchesne E, Taluja V, Nazari S, Aamodt CM, Pierce K, Duan K, Stophaeros S, Lopez L, Barnes CC, Troxel J, Campbell K, Wang T, Hoekzema K, Eichler EE, Nani JV, Pontes W, Sanchez SS, Lombardo MV, de Souza JS, Hayashi MAF, Muotri AR
Journal: Molecular Autism
Year: 2024
Loss of GTF2I promotes neuronal apoptosis and synaptic reduction in human cellular models of neurodevelopment
- Authors: Adams JW, Vinokur A, de Souza JS, Austria C, Guerra BS, Herai RH, Wahlin KJ, Muotri AR
Journal: Cell Reports
Year: 2024
Thyroid hormone biosynthesis and its role in brain development and maintenance
- Authors: de Souza JS
Journal: Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology
Year: 2023
Thyroid dysfunction alters gene expression of proteins related to iron homeostasis and metabolomics in male rats
- Authors: da Conceição RR, Giannocco G, Herai RH, Petroski LP, Pereira BG, Oliveira KC, Chiamolera MI, Sato MA, Maciel RM, de Souza JS
Journal: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Year: 2023
SARS-CoV-2 infects human brain organoids causing cell death and loss of synapses that can be rescued by treatment with Sofosbuvir
- Authors: Mesci P*, de Souza JS*, Martin-Sancho L*, Macia A*, Saleh A, Yin X, Snethlage C, Adams JW, Avansini SH, Herai RH, Almenar-Queralt A, Pu Y, Szeto RA, Goldberg G, Bruck PT, Papes F, Chanda SK, Muotri AR
(*These authors contributed equally)
Journal: PLoS Biology
Year: 2022
Conclusion
Dr. Janaina Sena Boyce, PhD stands out as a pioneering neuroscientist whose expertise bridges stem cell biology, neurodevelopmental modeling, and neurodegenerative research. Her innovative use of human iPSC-derived systems, including brain organoids and assembloids, positions her at the cutting edge of translational neuroscience. With a career marked by rigorous experimentation, high-impact publications, and a deep commitment to mentorship and collaboration, she contributes meaningfully to both scientific discovery and the cultivation of future scientific talent. Her trajectory reflects a balance of technical sophistication, intellectual curiosity, and strategic vision qualities that continue to shape the future of neuroscience research and therapeutic innovation. Dr. Boyce is not only advancing knowledge in her field but also building the platforms and partnerships necessary for impactful, human-centered science.