Viviane Palhares Muniz has over 15 years of experience in molecular biology and biomedical research. She received her PhD from the University of Iowa in Molecular and Cellular Biology in 2012. Since then, she has worked as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Iowa, developing mouse models to study cancer metabolism, metabolic syndrome, and pancreatic beta-cell proliferation. She has authored or co-authored over 10 publications and presented her research at several conferences. Her expertise includes developing disease models, molecular techniques, and training students.

1. Viviane Palhares Muniz, PhD
+55 11 955046697 |vpmuniz@gmail.com |www.linkedin.com/in/vpmuniz
EDUCATION
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology – 12/2012, University of Iowa College of Medicine,
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Master of Science in Genetics – 02/2006, Department of Genetics, Human Genome Research Center,
University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences – 12/2002, University of Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Post-Doctoral Scholar, 12/2012 – 10/2015, University of Iowa, Department of Pharmacology.
 Developed an orthotopic mouse mammary tumor model to evaluate the role of a putative
tumor suppressor (NIAM) in breast cancer metabolism by PET and IVIS.
 Characterized a novel hepatic gene (RGD1562963) and its putative role in Metabolic Syndrome
and its underlying pathology in a rat model of the disease.
 Evaluated the role of the gene RABL6A in the proliferation of different pancreatic β-cell lines.
 Trained 2 students in molecular biology techniques.
 Collaborated with 4 different independent research groups.
 Co-authored 4 manuscripts describing my findings.
Graduate Research Assistant, 08/2007 – 12/2012, University of Iowa, Department of Pharmacology.
 Developed a xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer that utilized bioluminescent imaging
(IVIS) to track tumor growth and metastasis.
 Determined that loss of RABL6A in pancreatic cancer cell lines leads to increased
chemosensitivity to common agents used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
 Analyzed tumor biopsies from >100 patients with pancreatic cancer, and correlated loss of
RABL6A with better prognosis and increased survival.
 Co-authored 4 manuscripts describing my findings, 2 of these as first author.
Co-op exchange student, 03/2006 – 02/2007, University of Iowa, Department of Physiology and
Biophysics.
 Helped characterizing muscle proteins in different muscular dystrophy mouse models. Designed
and performed experiments to determine concentration and localization of those proteins.
 Prepared and analyzed histological samples through confocal fluorescent microscopy.
 Co-authored 1 manuscript describing my findings.
Graduate Research Assistant, 06/2003 – 02/2006, Human Genome Research Center, University of Sao
Paulo, Brazil.
 Interviewed and collected samples from individuals participating in my studies, and analyzed
their muscle biopsies for fiber type prevalence.
 Searched for polymorphisms in genes regulating muscle growth.
 Helped develop an antibody against the protein Myostatin.
Laboratory technician, 08-12/2012, Fleury Centro de Diagnosticos, Sao Paulo Brazil.
 Developed an assay and SOP to detect beta-carotene in serum by HPLC
 Performed biochemical laboratory analyses, following SOPs and strict laboratory guidelines.
Technical Support Specialist, spring 2003, Unisciences do Brasil, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
 Participated in product demonstrations in trade shows, research laboratories, and teaching
institutions.
 Provided costumer support on PCR technical issues.

2. Viviane Palhares Muniz, PhD
Undergraduate Research Assistant, 03/1998 – 12/2002, Human Genome Research Center, University of
Sao Paulo, Brazil.
 Analyzed patient samples for mutations in the calcium metabolism genes using molecular
biology approaches.
 Co-authored 2 manuscripts describing my findings.
Teaching experience, University of Iowa:
 Spring 2015: Lecturer – Contraceptives and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in course Drugs: their
nature, action and use – developed lecture content and exam/quizzes.
 Spring 2012, 2013: Lecturer – Dermatological Drugs in course Drugs: their nature, action and use
– developed lecture content and exam/quizzes.
 Spring 2011: Teaching assistant – Cell Cycle Control - led graduate student discussions of
assigned papers.
 Spring 2011: Teaching assistant/lecturer – Natural History of Cancer, in course Mouse Models of
Cancer – conducted lecture and in class discussions.
 Fall 2010: Teaching assistant/ lecturer – The Cell Cycle, in course Fundamentals of Dynamic Cell
Processes – developed lecture content, graded exam/quizzes.
OUTREACH EXPERIENCE
 University of Iowa Postdoctoral Career Enhancement Group coordinator (2015)
 Coordinated Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center tour of University of Iowa animal
facility (2013)
 Participated in the fundraising movie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center
(2013)
 Molecular and Cellular Biology Retreat committee member (2011)
 Coordinated a laboratory visit from journalism students for their Medical Communication class by Dr.
Julie Andsager (2011)
 University of Iowa Biosciences (2008) and Molecular and Cellular Biology (2009) admissions
committee member
AWARDS
 University of Iowa Health Sciences Research Week Best Poster award, 2014
 University of Iowa 13th Annual Student Interdisciplinary Health Research Best Poster award, 2012
 University of Iowa Graduate Student Senate Travel Award, 2012
 University of Iowa Department of Pharmacology Tephly Student travel award, 2011 and 2012
 University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Vere D Wenger travel award, 2011
 University of Iowa Molecular & Cellular Biology Interdisciplinary Program Retreat Best Poster award,
2011
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
1. Hagen J, Muniz VP, Reed SM, Quelle FW, Gourronc F, Klingelhuts AJ, Major HJ, Taghiyev AF,
Askeland RW, Sherman SK, O'Dorisio T, Bellizzi AM, Howe JD, DarbroBW, Quelle DE. RABL6A
promotes G1-S phase progression and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cell proliferation in an Rb1-
dependent manner. Cancer Research. 15;74(22):6661-70. 2014.
2. Muniz VP, Askeland RJ, Zhang X, Reed SM, Tompkins VS, Hagen J, Button A, Smith B, Zamba KD,
Weydert J, Mezhir JJ, Quelle DE. RAB-like protein 6 isoform A (RABL6A) promotes oxaliplatin
resistance in tumor cells and is a new marker of survival for resected pancreatic ductal
adenocarcinoma patients. Genes & Cancer. 4(7-8): 273–284, 2013.

3. Viviane Palhares Muniz, PhD
3. Muniz VP, Barnes JM, Paliwal S, Zhang X, Tang X, Chen S, Zamba KD, Cullen JJ, Meyerholz DK, Meyers
S, Davis JN, Grossman SR, Henry MD, Quelle DE. The ARF tumor suppressor inhibits tumor cell
colonization independent of p53 in a novel mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
metastasis. Mol Cancer Res. 9(7):867-77, 2011.
4. Muniz VP, Senkevics AS, Zilbersztajn D, Gurgel-Giannetti J, Silva HC, Yamamoto LU, Pavanello RC,
Pearson PL, Zatz M, Vainzof M. Genetic variability in the myostatin gene does not explain the muscle
hypertrophy and clinical penetrance in myotonia congenita. Muscle Nerve. 41(3):427-8, 2010.
5. Han R, Bansal D, Miyake K, Muniz VP, Weiss RM, McNeil PL, Campbell KP. Dysferlin-mediated
membrane repair protects the heart from stress-induced left ventricular injury. J. Clin. Invest.
117(7):1805-1813, 2007.
6. Muniz VP, Silva HC, Tsanaclis AM, Vainzof M. Screening for mutations in the RYR1 gene in families
with malignant hyperthermia. J. Mol. Neurosci. 21(1):35-42, 2003.
SELECTED ABSTRACTS/PRESENTATIONS
1. Muniz VP, Hagen J, Quelle DE. Role of a novel pancreatic protein, RABL6A, in diabetes. Health
Sciences Research Week, University of Iowa. April 2014.
2. Muniz VP, Zhang X, Reed SM, Tompkins VS, Smith T, Hagen JKF, Fitzgerald M, Button A, Smith B,
Zamba KD, Domann FE, Mezhir JJ, Weydert J, Askeland RA, Quelle DE. Parf-1A (Partner of ARF
isoform 1A) promotes oxaliplatin resistance and is a new prognostic marker of survival in pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinoma. AACR annual meeting. Chicago, IL. April 2012
3. Muniz VP, Barnes JM, Zhang X, Tang X, Chen S, Zamba KD, Cullen JJ, Meyerholz DK, Meyers S, Davis
JN, Henry MD, Quelle DE: The ARF tumor suppressor inhibits tumor cell colonization in a novel
mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis. The Biology of Cancer:
Microenvironment, Metastasis & Therapeutics. Cold Spring Harbor, NY. April 2011.
4. Muniz VP, Oliveira ASB, Vainzof M. Muscular fiber type differentiation and polymorphisms in the
myostatin gene. Xth World Muscle Society, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. September 2005.
5. Muniz VP, Oliveira ASB, Vainzof M. Fiber type differentiation and GDF8 polymorphisms. XXI
Congresso Brasileiro de Neurologia, Brasília, Brazil. October 2004.
6. Muniz VP, Silva HCA, Tsanaclis AMC, Vainzof M. Screening for mutations in the RYR1 gene in
families with malignant hyperthermia. 8th World Muscle Society, Hungary, September 2003.