Rafael Radi

Rafael Radi is an Uruguayan biochemist and biomedical scientist who has extensively worked to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which free radicals, oxidants and nitric oxide participate in human pathologies. In particular, he has made relevant contributions to unravelling how the signal transducing free radical nitric oxide can evolve into toxic species via the formation of secondary nitric oxide-derived oxidants. His work has characterized reactions of oxidizing species with biological targets, the role of mitochondrial dysfunction is the alterations of cellular redox homeostasis and the impact of these biochemical processes in disease states. He has studied the actions of synthetic compounds in redox-based therapeutics, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This work has also contributed to understanding the redox biology of host cell interactions with intracellular pathogens and the impact in the control of infectious diseases. His seminal paper related to the biochemical actions of peroxynitrite, a potent oxidant and nucleophile formed secondary to the diffusion-controlled reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide radicals together with Joe S. Beckman, Kent Bush and Bruce A. Freeman in 1991 has been selected as a JBC Classics due to its influence in the field.

Radi is currently Professor and Chairman at the Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina and Director of Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO) at Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay. He is categorized at the highest level of the National Research System of Uruguay. Provided by Wikipedia