Mendes' Lab

Welcome

Our laboratory was established in 2023 and is part of the Group of Biophysics and Structural Biology “Sérgio Mascarenhas” (BBE) at the University of São Paulo, São Carlos campus. We investigate how proteins self-organise into dynamic and functional assemblies, with a particular focus on biomolecular condensates, phase separation and functional amyloids. These processes are increasingly recognised as fundamental mechanisms of cellular organisation, regulation and adaptation, and their disruption is closely associated with diseases like Parkinson, Alzheimer's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Our research combines protein disorder, conformational dynamics, self-assembly and membrane interactions to understand how molecular-scale events give rise to higher-order biological structures. We are especially interested in the mechanisms that control the formation, maturation and reversibility of protein assemblies, including condensates, functional amyloids and supramolecular complexes involved in membrane trafficking and secretion. 

By integrating biochemical and quantitative biophysical approaches, we aim to uncover the molecular principles that connect structure, disorder and collective behaviour — a perspective we refer to as (Un)Structural Biology. Learn more about us under the "Members" tab and about our research under the "Research lines" and "Publications" tabs.

We are always interested in recruiting motivated and enthusiastic researchers to join our team. If you are a "science lover" like us ("Mission and Ethical Guide") and your academic interests align with ours, consider joining our group. We welcome and support anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class or religion. For more information, please refer to the details under the "Opportunities" tab, contact us directly for a non-committal conversation, or visit our department for a complimentary coffee.