Rodrigo Giglioti

Scientific Researcher at the Institute of Animal Science (Instituto de Zootecnia), State of São Paulo, Brazil, with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience in Animal Genetics and Breeding. A permanent faculty member in the Animal Science postgraduate program at Unesp Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, actively supervising master’s and doctoral students, thereby consolidating a significant contribution to the training of new researchers.

Research focuses on studies involving ticks and diseases transmitted by this vector, such as babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The central objective is to identify, through quantitative genetic, molecular, and transcriptomic analyses, animals that are genetically and phenotypically resistant and/or resilient to these ectoparasites and associated pathogens.

Areas of expertise also include the integration of advanced bioinformatics and statistical tools, with a highlight on using the RStudio package for quantitative data analyses (phenotypic and genetic). Possesses expertise in experimental design, biological data analysis and interpretation, and incorporates innovative methodologies such as Artificial Intelligence for optimizing analyses and scientific writing.

Actively involved in interdisciplinary projects, the work aims to drive innovation, the training of new researchers, and the transfer of knowledge to the agricultural sector. The commitment is to effectively contribute to the strategic control of ticks and transmitted diseases, promoting advances in genetic improvement, sustainability, and productivity in animal production.

Research focuses primarily on the strategic control of ticks and the diseases transmitted by this vector, such as babesiosis and anaplasmosis, within the context of Animal Genetics and Breeding. The central objective is to identify, through comprehensive analyses, animals or genetic groups that are genetically and phenotypically resistant and/or resilient to these ectoparasites and associated pathogens.

Key methodologies employed include in-depth evaluations of tick infestations, utilizing both traditional visual counts and innovative image analysis powered by Artificial Intelligence. For pathogen detection and quantification, quantitative PCR is extensively used for babesiosis and anaplasmosis, enabling precise measurement of infection levels. These approaches are crucial for pinpointing animals with superior resistance.

Currently, a significant aspect of the research involves the use of animal performance and health measures to identify resilient animals—those that maintain productivity despite pathogen challenges. Furthermore, advanced transcriptomic studies using RNA-seq are conducted on animals infested by ticks and hemoparasites. These studies aim to identify differentially expressed genes and molecular pathways linked to a more efficient immune response, providing insights into the genetic basis of resistance and resilience.

The work integrates advanced bioinformatics and statistical tools, particularly the RStudio package for quantitative (phenotypic and genetic) data analyses, alongside Artificial Intelligence for optimizing data interpretation and scientific communication. This multidisciplinary approach aims to drive innovation and contribute effectively to genetic improvement, sustainability, and productivity in animal production.

Address to access the curriculum: https://lattes.cnpq.br/8575424321742220

1. Animal Genetics

2. Ticks and tick-borne diseases
3. Molecular biology of host-vector-pathogen interactions
4. Genetic resistance to diseases
5. Resistance, tolerance and resilience to diseases