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Ana Rita Vaz is currently an Assistant Professor at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon (FFUL) since Jan 2021. Since 2011, Ana scientific research has been focused on alterations in cellular communications in neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), first as a Post-Doctoral Fellow (from 2011-2019) and then as a Junior Researcher (from 2019-2020). The overall aim of the research developed by Ana Vaz is to understand the role of each cell type (focusing on neurons, astrocytes and microglia) for the neurodegenerative process, by exploring the molecular mechanisms associated with neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity in cell, transgenic mice and human models. More precisely, the goal is to discover biomarkers and to develop regenerative strategies by targeting genes or microRNAs in specific nerve cells. She is co-PI on a project that aims to develop an exosome-based therapy by targeting microRNAs in specific cells using mice and human models. Currently, she leads a project to engineer exosomes-lipossomes hybrids as microRNAs nanocarriers to specific cells that can be used to rescue ALS pathology (Young Investigators' Projects for Collaborative Cross-disciplinary studies). Ana has authored 37 peer reviewed papers in the field of neurosciences, neuroinflammation and neurochemistry (ORCID: 0000-0002-3418-3269; ResID: M-5149-2013, two book chapters and several national and international communications (oral and poster). In 2021, she completed the FELASA Cat B training to get accreditation to work with mice (Laboratory Animal Science Post-Graduated Course at FFUL). She has an h-index of 25 (web of science, 13/05/2024). She has been reviewer of more than 20 scientific papers for international journals, such as Frontiers in - Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Gene, Jornal of Neuroinflammation Journal of Neurochemistry among others. In addition, she is member of the Editorial Board of Brain Sciences ¿ section Neuroglia and of Frontiers in Neurosciences. She has supervised PhD students (2 concluded, 1 ongoing), Master Students (21 concluded, 2 ongoing), as well as 1 Post-Doctoral Junior Researcher and Research Fellows. Teaching areas: Human Anatomy, Neurosciences and Biochemistry.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Ana Rita Mendonça Vaz Botelho

Citation names

  • Vaz, Ana Rita
  • Vaz AR

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
121C-190C-DAC8
ORCID iD
0000-0002-3418-3269
Researcher Id
M-5149-2013
Scopus Author Id
56383998000

Email addresses

  • armvaz@ff.ulisboa.pt (Professional)

Telephones

Fax
  • 217946491 (Professional)
Mobile phone
  • 965236459 (Personal)
Telephone
  • 217946400 (Professional)
  • 219551168 (Personal)

Addresses

  • Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa. Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal (Professional)

Websites

Education
Degree Classification
2010
Concluded
 Farmácia (Doutoramento)
Major in Biologia Celular e Molecular
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
"Identification of cellular targets for specific therapies in neurodevelopmental disorders" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Aprovado com Distinção e Louvor
2006
Concluded
 Bioquímica (Licenciatura)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
"Avaliação dos mecanismos moleculares de imunomodulação do ácido glico-ursodesoxicólico em astrócitos de rato expostos à acção da bilirrubina não conjugada" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 16 (dezasseis) valores
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2019/03/01 - 2020/12/30 Contracted Researcher (Research) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
2005/09/01 - 2006/07/31 Research Trainee (Research) Centro de Patogénese Molecular - UBMBE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Teaching in Higher Education

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2020/12/31 - Current Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
(...)
2016/09/16 - 2018/09/15 Invited Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2016 - 2018 Invited Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
2013/09/16 - 2016/09/15 Invited Assistant (University Teacher) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013 - 2016 Assistant (University Teacher) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal

Others

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2012/01/01 - 2018/12/31 Post-Doctoral Fellow Universidade de Lisboa Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento, Portugal
2016/09/16 - 2018/09/15 Invited Assistant Professor (20%) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013/09/16 - 2016/09/15 Invited Assistant (20%) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2012/06/01 - 2012/07/31 Visting Scientist Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
2011/01/01 - 2011/12/31 Post-Doctoral Researcher Universidade de Lisboa Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento, Portugal
2007/01/01 - 2010/12/31 PhD Student Universidade de Lisboa Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento, Portugal
2009/09/24 - 2009/09/30 Visiting PhD Student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
2008/04/28 - 2008/05/21 Visiting PhD Student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
2007/05/04 - 2007/07/21 Visiting PhD student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
2006/09/01 - 2006/12/31 Research fellow, under the project POCTI/SAU-MMO/55955/2004 Centro de Patogénese Molecular - UBMBE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2022/01/01 - 2024/12/31 Analyzing NeuroIMmune dysregulation in Alzheimer´s disease toward a Therapy with miRNA-loaded Exosomes
PTDC/MED-NEU/2382/2021
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2021/10/01 - 2024/09/30 Targeting TDP-43 with protein kinase inhibitors: a effective and measurable therapy for ALS (Drugs4ALS)
HR21-00931
Researcher
La Caixa Foundation-Luzón Foundation
Ongoing
2018/10 - 2022/09 NPSTEENSBRAIN. New Psychoactive Substances - A Platform for Risk Assessment of Teens Brain Exposure
Provided by PTCRIS: PTDC/SAU-TOX/32515/2017
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2018/08 - 2022/08 Development of an autologous exosome-based therapy by engineering microRNAs in microglia and motor-neurons using mice and human models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS
Provided by PTCRIS: PTDC/MED-NEU/31395/2017
Principal investigator
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2019/01/01 - 2021/12/31 Detect, prevent, eradicate: a multi-step strategy to abrogate brain metastasization of breast cancer
FCT - PTDC/MED-ONC/29402/2017
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2016/01/01 - 2020/12/31 Exploring the impact of astrocyte-derived microvesicles for motor neuron degeneration and as vehicles to delivery neuroroprotective cargoes in ALS
ELA-2015-002
Researcher
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa
Ongoing
2017/11/01 - 2019/06/06 Papel dos ectossomas na disseminação da infecção do HIV no SNC e seu contributo na patogénese da demência associada ao HIV
n.d.
Researcher
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 Gilead Génese
Concluded
2012/01/01 - 2019/02/28 Dissecting the mechanisms of microglia response, determinants and biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
SFRH/BPD/76590/2011
Post-doc Fellow
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2011/01/01 - 2019/02/28 Dissecting the mechanisms of microglia response, determinants and biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
SFRH/BPD/76590/2011
Post-doc Fellow
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2017/01/01 - 2018/12/31 Identification and assessment of new psychoactive substances: a European network
HOME/2014/JDRU/AG/DRUG/7086
Researcher
European Commission Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development Health
Concluded
2016/01 - 2018/06 Generation of Improved Cellular and Animal Models for Identification of Disease Phenotype and New Therapeutic Targets of Alzheimer’s Disease
JPCOFUND/003/2015
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2014/03 - 2015/08 Decoding the regulation of microglia phenotype by microRNAs in Alzheimer's disease.
Provided by PTCRIS: EXPL/NEU-NMC/1003/2013
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2012/01/01 - 2015/06/30 ARE MICROGLIA A NEW POTENTIAL PHARMACOLOGICAL TARGET IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)?
PTDC/SAU-FAR/118787/2010
Researcher
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2007/01/01 - 2010/12/31 Identification of cellular targets for specific therapies in neurodevelopmental disorders
SFRH/BD/30292/2006
PhD Student Fellow
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2007/01/01 - 2010/12/31 Study of the blood-brain barrier disruption by neurotoxins and modulation by therapeutic agents in a human model: effects of bilirubin and endotoxin on brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayer integrity and protective role of bile acids
PTDC/SAU-FCF/68819/2006
PhD student
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2007/07 - 2010/12 Uncovering the potential neurodevelopmental deficits in common neonatal conditions such as hyperbilirubinemia and inflammation
Provided by PTCRIS: PTDC/SAU-NEU/64385/2006
PhD student
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Contract

Designation Funders
2019/10/01 - 2021/12/31 Engineering hybrid exosomes as microRNAs nanocarriers to microglia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
UID/DTP/04138/2019
Principal investigator
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
 iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. Vaz AR; Cunha, C.; Brites, D.. "Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Harmful Effects and Strategies to Afford Neuroprotection". In New Developments in Astrocytes Research, 75-15. New York, United States: Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2016.
    Published
  2. Vaz AR; Fernandes, A.; Brites D.. "S100B as a Candidate Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Neurodegenerative Disorders". In S100B: Serum Detection, Functions and Clinical Significance, 33-61. New York, United States: Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2015.
    Published
Conference abstract
  1. Vaz AR; Pinto, Sara; Ezequiel, Catarina; Cunha, Carolina; Carvalho, Luís; Moreira, Rui; Brites, Dora. "Overexpression of wild-type and mutant SOD1 in N9 microglia upon steady-state, inflammatory and immunomodulatory conditions leads to distinct phenotypes". Paper presented in XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease, Porto, 2019.
  2. Sequeira, Catarina; Vizinha, Daniela; Colaço, Ana Rita; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Targeting of miR-124 in ALS motor neurons prevents neuro-immune dysregulation". Paper presented in XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease, Porto, 2019.
    Published
  3. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Restoring miR-146a levels in ALS mouse cortical astrocytes rescues their aberrant phenotype and abolishes inflammatory miRNA dysregulation in cells and derived sEVs". Paper presented in XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease, porto, 2019.
    Published
  4. Vaz AR; Sequeira, Catarina; Vizinha, Daniela; Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Brites, Dora. "Targeting astrocyte and motor neuron specific miRNAs to prevent neuro-immune dysregulation in ALS". Paper presented in SPN XVI Meeting, Lisboa, 2019.
    Published
  5. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Targeting miR-146a downregulation in cortical astrocytes from the ALS mouse as a therapeutic strategy in the rescue of cell aberrant phenotype and inflammatory miRNA in their derived exosomes". Paper presented in XLVII Reunião Annual da Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia, Lisboa, 2018.
    Published
  6. Ezequiel, Catarina; Cunha, Carolina; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Glycourseodexycholic acid and dipeptidyl vinyl sulfone differently control the pro-inflammatory phenotype of mutant SOD1G93A microglia". Paper presented in XLVII Reunião Annual da Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia, Lisboa, 2018.
    Published
  7. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites. Dora. "Recovery of miR-146a levels through overexpression reverts astrocyte reactivity in cells from ALS mice and modulate astrocytic exosome cargo". Paper presented in . II Symposium of the Portuguese Glial Network- Glial Cells: Much More Than Glue, Braga, 2017.
    Published
  8. Gomes, Cátia; Cunha, Carolina; Nascimento, Filipe; Sebastião, Ana M; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Dysfunctional Astrocytes as the major glial contributors to Motor Neurons loss in the cerebral cortex of ALS mice model". Paper presented in XIX National Congress of Biochemistry, Guimarães, 2016.
    Published
Conference poster
  1. Vaz, Ana Rita; Matos, Ana Teresa; Martins, Nísia; Loch-Neckel, Gecioni; Barbosa, Marta; Brites, Dora. "Regeneration of microglia homeostasis and paracrine signaling in models of spinal ALS disease". Paper presented in XVII Meeting of the Portuguese Society for Neurosciences, 2021.
  2. Barbosa, Marta; de Sousa, Nídia; Vaz, Ana Rita; António Salgado; Brites, Dora. "Intrathecal injection of secretome from anti-miR-124-treated ALS motor neurons in mSOD1 mice shows promise as a therapeutic strategy. V Symposium of the Portuguese Glial Network, 30 Nov 2021, Coimbra". Paper presented in V Symposium of the Portuguese Glial Network, 2021.
  3. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz, Ana Rita; Brites, Dora. "Reshape of miR-146a in ALS cortical astrocytes modulates inflammatory miRNA signature in cells and in their small extracellular vesicles". Paper presented in SNEV International Virtual Conference, 2021.
  4. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Carvalho, Luís; Moreira, Rui; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Benefits of VS in Counteract ALS-astrocyte Aberrancy Involves miR-146a Upregulation". Paper presented in 11th iMed.ULisboa Students Meeting, 2019.
  5. Colaço, Ana Rita; Morgado, Patrícia; Vaz AR; Brites. Dora. "Unveiling the Influence Of mSOD1 MNs-Derived Secretome on mSOD1 Mice Spinal Microglia Polarization". Paper presented in 11th iMed.ULisboa Students Meeting, 2019.
  6. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Carvalho, Luís; Moreira, Rui; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Glycoursodeoxycholic acid and dipeptidyl vinyl sulfone counteract reactivity and inflammatory miRNAs in ALS mouse cortical astrocytes". Paper presented in IV Symp PT Glial Network, 2019.
  7. Sequeira, Catarina; Colaço, Ana Rita; Vizinha, Daniela; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Targeting miR-124 in ALS motor neurons to prevent neurodegeneration and glial activation". Paper presented in IV Symp PT Glial Network, 2019.
  8. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz, Ana Rita; Brites, Dora. "Targeting miRNA-146a downregulation in mSOD1 cortical astrocytes to modulate inflamma-miRNA profile in exosomes". Paper presented in 1st International Symposium: Secretome without Borders, 2018.
  9. Gomes, Cátia; Barbosa, Marta; Cunha, Carolina; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Spine/Cortical ALS Astrocytes Show Features of Aberrant Phenotype Diversity by In Vitro Ageing". Paper presented in 4th meeting of the Mind-Brain College ULisboa, 2018.
  10. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Decreased Exosomal miR-146a as a Biomarker of Dysfunctional Cortical mSOD1 Astrocytes and Therapeutic Target in Exosomal Trans-Dissemination". Paper presented in 10th iMed.ULisboa Postgraduate Students Meeting, 2018.
  11. Sequeira, Catarina; Vizinha, Daniela; Vaz AR; Brites. Dora. "Aberrant ALS Spinal Astrocyte Phenotype is Exacerbated by Neuroinflammation and not Counteracted by miR-155 Targeting". Paper presented in 10th iMed.ULisboa Postgraduate Students Meeting, 2018.
  12. Vizinha, Daniela; Sequeira, Catarina; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "MiR-124 Targeting in ALS Motor Neurons Reduces Genes Associated with Alarmin Production and Synaptic Loss, while Favours Anterograde Axonal Transport". Paper presented in 10th iMed.ULisboa Postgraduate Students Meeting, 2018.
  13. Vaz AR; Sequeira, Catarina; Vizinha, Daniela; Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Brites, Dora. "Targeting astrocyte and motor neuron specific miRNAs to recover cell function in ALS". Paper presented in Workshop on integrative approaches in neurodegeneration, 2018.
  14. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz, Ana Rita; Brites, Dora. "Upregulation of miR-146a in ALS mouse cortical astrocytes decrease their reactivity and prevents miR-155 transfer into exosomes". Paper presented in ENCALS, 2018.
  15. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Restitution of miR-146a expression in ALS mouse cortical astrocytes counteracts cell aberrancy and changes inflammatory miRNA content in their derived exosomes". Paper presented in III Symposium PT Glial Network, 2018.
  16. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Upregulation of miR-146a attenuates ALS mouse cortical astrocytes reactivity and decrease miRNA-inflammatory associated exosomal cargo". Paper presented in XX Meeting of Portuguese Society for Biochemistry (SPB) and Society for Free Radical Research International (SFRRI), 2018.
  17. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites. Dora. "Upregulation of miR-146a in the ALS mouse cortical astrocytes has benefits on cell aberrancy and inflammation dissemination by extracellular vesicles". Paper presented in 1st Meeting in Vesicular Biology, 2018.
  18. Vaz AR; Cunha, Carolina; Gomes, Cátia; Brites, Dora. "Reactive astrocytes from the spinal cord of mSOD1 mice pups trigger microglia M1 polarization, while switch mSOD1 microglia into M1/M2 phenotypes that lately become irresponsive". Paper presented in XIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease, 2017.
  19. Cunha, Carolina; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Differently aged microglia from the spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice show diverse polarized phenotypes, which are exacerbated by co-incubation with their counterpart astrocyte". Paper presented in XV Meeting of the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience, 2017.
  20. Ezequiel, Catarina; Cunha, Carolina; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "SOD1G93A transduced microglia show a depressed inflammatory response to LPS". Paper presented in XV Meeting of the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience, 2017.
  21. Barbosa, Marta; Gomes, Cátia; Vaz AR; Brites, Dora. "Recovery of miR-146a levels through overexpression reverts astrocyte reactivity in cells from ALS mice and modulate astrocytic exosome cargo". Paper presented in XV Meeting of the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience, 2017.
Journal article
  1. Gonçalo Garcia; Sara Pinto; Sofia Ferreira; Daniela Lopes; Maria João Serrador; Adelaide Fernandes; Ana Rita Vaz; et al. "Emerging Role of miR-21-5p in Neuron–Glia Dysregulation and Exosome Transfer Using Multiple Models of Alzheimer’s Disease". Cells (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11213377.
    10.3390/cells11213377
  2. Marta Barbosa; Marta Santos; Nídia de Sousa; Sara Duarte-Silva; Ana Rita Vaz; António J. Salgado; Dora Brites. "Intrathecal Injection of the Secretome from ALS Motor Neurons Regulated for miR-124 Expression Prevents Disease Outcomes in SOD1-G93A Mice". Biomedicines (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10092120.
    10.3390/biomedicines10092120
  3. Gomes, Cátia; Sequeira, Catarina; Likhite, Shibi; Dennys, Cassandra N.; Kolb, Stephen J.; Shaw, Pamela J.; Vaz, Ana R.; et al. Corresponding author: Brites, Dora. "Neurotoxic Astrocytes Directly Converted from Sporadic and Familial ALS Patient Fibroblasts Reveal Signature Diversities and miR-146a Theragnostic Potential in Specific Subtypes". Cells 11 7 (2022): 1186. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells11071186.
    10.3390/cells11071186
  4. Loch-Neckel, Gecioni; Matos, Ana Teresa; Vaz, Ana Rita; Brites, Dora. Corresponding author: Vaz, Ana Rita. "Challenges in the Development of Drug Delivery Systems Based on Small Extracellular Vesicles for Therapy of Brain Diseases". Frontiers in Pharmacology 13 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.839790.
    10.3389/fphar.2022.839790
  5. Adelaide Fernandes; Cláudia Caldeira; Carolina Cunha; Elisabete Ferreiro; Ana Rita Vaz; Dora Brites. "Differences in Immune-Related Genes Underlie Temporal and Regional Pathological Progression in 3xTg-AD Mice". Cells (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11010137.
    10.3390/cells11010137
  6. Vaz, A.R.; Falcão, A.S.; Palomo, V.. "Editorial: Neurodegeneration, cell signaling and neuroreparative strategies". Frontiers in Pharmacology 13 (2022): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85141176035&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fphar.2022.1059923
  7. Ana Rita Vaz; Daniela Vizinha; Hermes Morais; Ana Rita Colaço; Gecioni Loch-Neckel; Marta Barbosa; Dora Brites. Corresponding author: Ana Rita Vaz. "Overexpression of miR-124 in Motor Neurons Plays a Key Role in ALS Pathological Processes". International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 11 (2021): 6128-6128. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22116128.
    Open access • 10.3390/ijms22116128
  8. Barbosa, M.; Gomes, C.; Sequeira, C.; Gonçalves-Ribeiro, J.; Pina, C.C.; Carvalho, L.A.; Moreira, R.; et al. "Recovery of Depleted miR-146a in ALS Cortical Astrocytes Reverts Cell Aberrancies and Prevents Paracrine Pathogenicity on Microglia and Motor Neurons". Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9 (2021): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85105432735&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fcell.2021.634355
  9. Pomeshchik, Y.; Klementieva, O.; Gil, J.; Martinsson, I.; Hansen, M.G.; de Vries, T.; Sancho-Balsells, A.; et al. "Erratum: Human iPSC-derived hippocampal spheroids: An innovative tool for stratifying Alzheimer disease patient-specific cellular phenotypes and developing therapies (Stem Cell Reports (2020) 15(1) (256–273), (S2213671120301922), (10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.06.001))". Stem Cell Reports 16 11 (2021): 2838-2838. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85118491121&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.10.003
  10. Pomeshchik, Y.; Klementieva, O.; Gil, J.; Martinsson, I.; Hansen, M.G.; de Vries, T.; Sancho-Balsells, A.; et al. "Human iPSC-Derived Hippocampal Spheroids: An Innovative Tool for Stratifying Alzheimer Disease Patient-Specific Cellular Phenotypes and Developing Therapies". Stem Cell Reports 15 1 (2020): 256-273. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85087499545&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.06.001
  11. Vaz, A.R.; Falcão, A.S.; Scarpa, E.; Semproni, C.; Brites, D.. "Microglia Susceptibility to Free Bilirubin Is Age-Dependent". Frontiers in Pharmacology 11 (2020): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85088787434&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fphar.2020.01012
  12. de Mello-Sampayo, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Henriques, S.C.; Fernandes, A.; Paradinha, F.; Florindo, P.; Faria, P.; et al. "Designer Cathinones N-Ethylhexedrone and Buphedrone Show Different In Vitro Neurotoxicity and Mice Behaviour Impairment". Neurotoxicity Research (2020): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85086428280&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12640-020-00229-6
  13. Gomes, C.; Sequeira, C.; Barbosa, M.; Cunha, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Astrocyte regional diversity in ALS includes distinct aberrant phenotypes with common and causal pathological processes". Experimental Cell Research 395 2 (2020): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85090351924&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112209
  14. Gomes, C.; Cunha, C.; Nascimento, F.; Ribeiro, J.A.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Cortical Neurotoxic Astrocytes with Early ALS Pathology and miR-146a Deficit Replicate Gliosis Markers of Symptomatic SOD1G93A Mouse Model". Molecular Neurobiology 56 3 (2019): 2137-2158. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85049663582&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12035-018-1220-8
  15. Vaz, A.R.; Pinto, S.; Ezequiel, C.; Cunha, C.; Carvalho, L.A.; Moreira, R.; Brites, D.. "Phenotypic effects of wild-type and mutant SOD1 expression in n9 murine microglia at steady state, inflammatory and immunomodulatory conditions". Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 13 (2019): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85064224780&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fncel.2019.00109
  16. Ferreira, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Florindo, P.R.; Lopes, Á.; Brites, D.; Quintas, A.. "Development of a high throughput methodology to screen cathinones’ toxicological impact". Forensic Science International 298 (2019): 1-9. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85062700246&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.022
  17. Braga, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Oliveira, M.C.; Matilde Marques, M.; Moreira, R.; Brites, D.; Perry, M.J.. "Targeting gliomas with triazene-based hybrids: Structure-activity relationship, mechanistic study and stability". European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 172 (2019): 16-25. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85063613128&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.048
  18. Cunha, C.; Santos, C.; Gomes, C.; Fernandes, A.; Correia, A.M.; Sebastião, A.M.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Downregulated Glia Interplay and Increased miRNA-155 as Promising Markers to Track ALS at an Early Stage". Molecular Neurobiology 55 5 (2018): 4207-4224. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85020723635&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12035-017-0631-2
  19. Fernandes, A.; Ribeiro, A.R.; Monteiro, M.; Garcia, G.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Secretome from SH-SY5Y APPSwecells trigger time-dependent CHME3 microglia activation phenotypes, ultimately leading to miR-21 exosome shuttling". Biochimie (2018): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85048597442&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.biochi.2018.05.015
  20. Caldeira, C.; Cunha, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Falcão, A.S.; Barateiro, A.; Seixas, E.; Fernandes, A.; Brites, D.. "Key aging-associated alterations in primary microglia response to beta-amyloid stimulation". Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 9 (2017): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85030703999&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
  21. Falcão, A.S.; Carvalho, L.A.R.; Lidónio, G.; Vaz, A.R.; Lucas, S.D.; Moreira, R.; Brites, D.. "Dipeptidyl Vinyl Sulfone as a Novel Chemical Tool to Inhibit HMGB1/NLRP3-Inflammasome and Inflamma-miRs in Aß-Mediated Microglial Inflammation". ACS Chemical Neuroscience 8 1 (2017): 89-99. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85013640037&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00250
  22. Pinto, S.; Cunha, C.; Barbosa, M.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Exosomes from NSC-34 cells transfected with hSOD1-G93A are enriched in mir-124 and drive alterations in microglia phenotype". Frontiers in Neuroscience 11 MAY (2017): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85019549415&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fnins.2017.00273
  23. Casas, Caty; Manzano, Raquel; Vaz, Ana Rita; Osta, Rosario; Brites, Dora. "Synaptic Failure: Focus in an Integrative View of ALS". Brain Plasticity 1 2 (2016): 159-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/bpl-140001.
    Published • 10.3233/bpl-140001
  24. Cunha, C.; Gomes, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Brites, D.. "Exploring New Inflammatory Biomarkers and Pathways during LPS-Induced M1 Polarization". Mediators of Inflammation 2016 (2016): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85008894491&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1155/2016/6986175
  25. Vaz, A.R.; Cunha, C.; Gomes, C.; Schmucki, N.; Barbosa, M.; Brites, D.. "Glycoursodeoxycholic Acid Reduces Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Caspase-9 Activation in a Cellular Model of Superoxide Dismutase-1 Neurodegeneration". Molecular Neurobiology 51 3 (2015): 864-877. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84939875611&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12035-014-8731-8
  26. Brites, D.; Vaz, A.R.. "Microglia centered pathogenesis in ALS: Insights in cell interconnectivity". Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 8 MAY (2014): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84901445351&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fncel.2014.00117
  27. Falcão, A.S.; Silva, R.F.M.; Vaz, A.R.; Gomes, C.; Fernandes, A.; Barateiro, A.; Tiribelli, C.; Brites, D.. "Cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes in response to bilirubin: Adverse secondary impacts". Neurotoxicity Research 26 1 (2014): 1-15. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84903741375&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12640-013-9427-y
  28. Caldeira, C.; Oliveira, A.F.; Cunha, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Falcão, A.S.; Fernandes, A.; Brites, D.. "Microglia change from a reactive to an age-like phenotype with the time in culture". Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 8 JUN (2014): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84901848126&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fncel.2014.00152
  29. Mariano, C.; Palmela, I.; Pereira, P.; Fernandes, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Cardoso, F.L.; Vaz, A.R.; et al. "Tricellulin expression in brain endothelial and neural cells". Cell and Tissue Research 351 3 (2013): 397-407. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84881223461&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s00441-012-1529-y
  30. Falcão, A.S.; Silva, R.F.M.; Vaz, A.R.; Silva, S.L.; Fernandes, A.; Brites, D.. "Cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes in response to bilirubin: Early beneficial effects". Neurochemical Research 38 3 (2013): 644-659. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876416140&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s11064-012-0963-2
  31. Barateiro, A.; Vaz, A.R.; Silva, S.L.; Fernandes, A.; Brites, D.. "ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and calpain/jnk activation are involved in oligodendrocyte precursor cell death by unconjugated bilirubin". NeuroMolecular Medicine 14 4 (2012): 285-302. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84870563054&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s12017-012-8187-9
  32. Silva, S.L.; Vaz, A.R.; Diógenes, M.J.; Van Rooijen, N.; Sebastião, A.M.; Fernandes, A.; Silva, R.F.M.; Brites, D.. "Neuritic growth impairment and cell death by unconjugated bilirubin is mediated by NO and glutamate, modulated by microglia, and prevented by glycoursodeoxycholic acid and interleukin-10". Neuropharmacology 62 7 (2012): 2397-2407. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84859103402&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.02.002
  33. Silva, S.L.; Osório, C.; Vaz, A.R.; Barateiro, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Silva, R.F.M.; Brites, D.. "Dynamics of neuron-glia interplay upon exposure to unconjugated bilirubin". Journal of Neurochemistry 117 3 (2011): 412-424. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79954420884&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07200.x
  34. Palmela, I.; Cardoso, F.L.; Bernas, M.; Correia, L.; Vaz, A.R.; Silva, R.F.M.; Fernandes, A.; et al. "Elevated levels of bilirubin and long-term exposure impair human brain microvascular endothelial cell integrity". Current Neurovascular Research 8 2 (2011): 153-169. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79955733304&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.2174/156720211795495358
  35. Vaz, A.R.; Silva, S.L.; Barateiro, A.; Fernandes, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Brito, M.A.; Brites, D.. "Pro-inflammatory cytokines intensify the activation of NO/NOS, JNK1/2 and caspase cascades in immature neurons exposed to elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin". Experimental Neurology 229 2 (2011): 381-390. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79956137679&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.03.004
  36. Vaz, A.R.; Silva, S.L.; Barateiro, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Fernandes, A.; Brito, M.A.; Brites, D.. "Selective vulnerability of rat brain regions to unconjugated bilirubin". Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience 48 1 (2011): 82-93. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79960929537&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.mcn.2011.06.008
  37. Fernandes, A.; Barateiro, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Silva, S.L.-A.; Vaz, A.R.; Brito, M.A.; Marques Silva, R.F.; Brites, D.. "Astrocyte reactivity to unconjugated bilirubin requires TNF-a and IL-1ß receptor signaling pathways". GLIA 59 1 (2011): 14-25. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-78349235777&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1002/glia.21072
  38. Vaz, A.R.; Delgado-Esteban, M.; Brito, M.A.; Bolaños, J.P.; Brites, D.; Almeida, A.. "Bilirubin selectively inhibits cytochrome c oxidase activity and induces apoptosis in immature cortical neurons: Assessment of the protective effects of glycoursodeoxycholic acid". Journal of Neurochemistry 112 1 (2010): 56-65. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-71649114447&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06429.x
  39. Silva, S.L.; Vaz, A.R.; Barateiro, A.; Falcão, A.S.; Fernandes, A.; Brito, M.A.; Silva, R.F.M.; Brites, D.. "Features of bilirubin-induced reactive microglia: From phagocytosis to inflammation". Neurobiology of Disease 40 3 (2010): 663-675. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77957807564&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.nbd.2010.08.010
  40. Brito, M.A.; Vaz, A.R.; Silva, S.L.; Falcão, A.S.; Fernandes, A.; Silva, R.F.M.; Brites, D.. "N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase activation mediate bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity". Molecular Medicine 16 9-10 (2010): 372-380. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77956632156&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.2119/molmed.2009.00152
  41. Fernandes, A.; Vaz, A.R.; Falcão, A.S.; Silva, R.F.M.; Brito, M.A.; Brites, D.. "Glycoursodeoxycholic acid and interleukin-10 modulate the reactivity of rat cortical astrocytes to unconjugated bilirubin". Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology 66 9 (2007): 789-798. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34548454884&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1097/nen.0b013e3181461c74
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. Botelho, Ana. "Identification of cellular targets for specific therapies in neurodevelopmental disorders". PhD, Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, 2010.
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2021/09/13 Re-establishment of miR-146a levels in ALS cortical astrocytes prevents inflammatory dissemination by modulation of inflamma-miRNA profile in cells and small extracellular vesicles. st meeting of the Portuguese Network on extracellular vesicles
Portuguese Network on extracellular vesicles (Porto)
2021/02/18 Overexpression of miR-124 in motor neurons plays a key role in ALS pathological process 51th meeting of the Portuguese Society of Pharmacology
Portuguese Society of Pharmacology (Lisbon, Portugal)
2021/02/17 Targeting depressed miR-146a in ALS cortical astrocytes inhibits phenotypic aberrancies and Cell paracrine damage 39.ª Reunião de Farmacologia Clínica e 20ª Reunião de Toxicologia
Portuguese Society of Pharmacology (virtual, Portugal)
2021/02/17 Emergent new psychoactive substances (NPS) trigger neuroinflammation and other neurotoxic responses on neurons and microglia. 51.ª Reunião da Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia. 39.ª Reunião de Farmacologia Clínica e 20ª Reunião de Toxicologia
Portuguese Society of Pharmacology (virtual)
2019/11/15 Targeting microRNAs in glia & motor neurons to restore neuro-immune function in ALS Neuroscience Seminars
Neuropharmacology Group, Instituto de Medicina Molecular (lisboa, Portugal)
2019/05/31 Targeting astrocyte and motor neuron specific miRNAs to prevent neuro-immune dysregulation in ALS SPN 2019
Society of Portuguese Neurosciences (Lisboa, Portugal)
2019/05/29 Astrocyte phenotypic aberrancy differs from the spinal cord to the cortical brain in ALS disease IV Symposium of Portuguese Glial Network
Portuguese Glial Network (Lisboa, Portugal)
2018/06 Aberrant Glia Reactivity and Inflammatory miRNAs as Therapeutic Targets and Biomarkers for Tracking the Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2018
Fundação de Ciência e Tecnologia (Lisboa, Portugal)
2018/02/07 Glycoursodeoxycholic acid and dipeptidyl vinyl sulfone differently control the pro-inflammatory phenotype of mutant SOD1G93A microglia. XLVIII Reunião Anual da Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia
Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia (Lisboa, Portugal)
2016/10/14 Dissecting Aß-induced inflammatory signaling mediators associated to HMGB1 overexpression in an in vitro model of reactive microglia. HMGB1 Workshop
(Milan, Italy)
2016/06/03 Modulating HMGB1 in microglia as a promising strategy to inhibit specific Aß-induced inflammatory pathways. 30ª Reunião do Grupo de Estudos de Envelhecimento Cerebral e Demência
Grupo de Estudos de Envelhecimento Cerebral e Demência (Lisb, Portugal)
2016/06/03 Exosomes as mediators of neuroinflammation and pathogenicity in ALS 30ª Reunião do Grupo de Estudos de Envelhecimento Cerebral e Demência
Grupo de Estudos de Envelhecimento Cerebral e Demência (Lisboa, Portugal)
2016/04/22 Motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Simpósio ELA: Ciência e Sociedade
Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal)
2015/12/01 Upregulation of miR-155 and deregulated cell-cell signaling precede inflammation in the spinal cord of symptomatic TgSOD1G93A mice. 1st Spinal Cord Injury Iberian Symposium
(Alcoitão, Portugal)
2014/03/14 Profiling microglial reactivity in a mice model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 2nd Symposium of Pathophysiology of Glial Cell
Instituto de Ciências da Saúde – Universidade Federal Bahia (Bahia, Brazil)
2013/06/01 Exploring anti-inflammatory strategies on motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Portuguese Society for Neurosciences 13th Meeting
Portuguese Society for Neurosciences (Luso, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role 		Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2023/09/01 - Current Therapeutic Potential of miRNA-loaded Exosomes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Co-supervisor
 Biopharmaceutical Sciences (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2023/09/01 - Current Targeting miR-125b overexpression to overcome microglia loss of function in ALS
Supervisor
 Pharmaceutical Sciences (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2022/11/01 - Current Cell-free-based therapies for miRNA modulation in ALS-associated TDP-43 proteinopathy using mouse and human models
Supervisor
 Pharmacy - Molecular and Cellular Biology (PhD)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2019/09/01 - Current Unveiling aberrancies and neurotoxic properties of ALS astrocytes using unspecific and microglia-specific activation models
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2017/03/01 - Current Studying the impact of Glia-derived extracellular vesicles on motor neuron degeneration and their modulation for a neuroprotective approach, using 2D-and 3D-cell culture model
Co-supervisor of Marta Barbosa
 Farmácia - Biologia Celular e Molecular (PhD)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2022/09/01 - 2023/12/19 Comparative Efficacy of CK1 Inhibitors and miRNA-loaded Exosomes on the Recovery of ALS Injured Microglia
Supervisor
 Biopharmaceutical Sciences (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/05/01 - 2022/12/12 Evaluation of promising miRNA modulation in neural cells and derived secretomes as therapeutic tools in ALS
Co-supervisor
 Pharmacy - Molecular and Cellular Biology (PhD)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/09/01 - 2022/11/25 Therapeutic potential of intrathecal application of miR-124-based secretome in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Co-supervisor
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2021/09/01 - 2022/11/18 Evaluation of Neuron-glia network signals using 2D/3D platforms and ALS experimental models
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2020/09/01 - 2022/03/16 Modulation of miRNA Expression in ALS Microglia
Co-supervisor
 Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
2020/09/01 - 2022/01/20 Testing miRNA-cell based strategies to obtain therapeutic secretomes for spinal ALS
Co-supervisor
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2020/09/01 - 2021/11 Exploring the role of MFG-E8 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Farmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2019/09/01 - 2021/05/19 Role of astrocyte activation on microglia polarization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Biomédicas (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal
2019/09/01 - 2021/01/13 Impact of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in neuronal and microglial function
Co-supervisor
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2019/09/01 - 2021/01/11 Development of an exosome-based therapy by specific cell modulation of microRNAs using organotypic cultures from the ALS mice
Co-supervisor
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2017/09/01 - 2018/11/13 Targeting miR-124 in motor neurons as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neurodegeneration and glial activation in ALS
Co-supervisor of Daniela Vizinha
 Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2017/09/01 - 2018/10/31 Exploring A1 activation and miR-155 modulation in ALS spinal cord astrocytes
Co-supervisor of Catarina Sequeira
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2013/10/01 - 2017/12/13 Role of glial cells as contributors to the onset and propagation of ALS disease
Co-supervisor of Carolina Cunha
 Farmácia - Biologia Celular e Molecular (PhD)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2016/09/01 - 2017/12/10 Evaluation and regulation of neuroinflammation via microglia-derived extracellular vesicles and associated DAMPs/miRNAs
Co-supervisor of Catarina Ezequiel
 Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2015/09/01 - 2016/11/12 ALS pathogenesis: role of motor-neuron derived exosomes in microglia activation and dysfunction
Co-supervisor of Sara Pinto
 Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2014/09/01 - 2016/10/31 Modulation of HMGB1in reactive and irresponsive microglia treated with amyloid-ß peptide
Co-supervisor of Maria Nunes
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2013/09/01 - 2014/11/30 The microglial-motoneuron (MN) dialogue in ALS: studies in the G93A-SOD1- mice model
Co-supervisor of Catarina Santos
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2013/09/01 - 2014/11/30 The microglial-motoneuron (MN) dialogue in ALS: in vitro studies
Co-supervisor of Maria Inês Cunha
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2013/10/01 - 2014/08/01 Differential effects of bilirubin on the microglia activation using maturating and aging cells: cell viability and gene expression
Co-supervisor of Carlotta Semproni
Università degli Studi di Bologna Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Italy
2012/09/01 - 2013/11/30 Dissecting cross-talk between microglia and motoneurons in ALS: an immunohistochemistry (IHC) and signaling directed study
Co-supervisor of Marta Barbosa
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2012/09/01 - 2013/11/30 Dissecting cross-talk between microglia and motoneurons in ALS: an immunoreactive study
Co-supervisor of Andreia Ferreira
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2011/09/01 - 2012/11/30 Exploring microglia reactivity and neuroprotective or neurotoxic properties in ALS in vitro models
Co-supervisor of Carolina Cunha
 Genética Molecular e Biomedicina (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Jury of academic degree

Topic
Role 		Candidate name (Type of degree)
Institution / Organization
2023/07/13 Strategies for the modulation of the cargo of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Inês Toste Simões (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal
2022/02/15 Dissecting miRNA-194-5p's and MEF2C's roles in breast cancer brain metastases
(Thesis) Arguer
 Sara Caetano (Master)
iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
2021/11 Effects of newly detected syntethic cathinones on the central nervous system
(Thesis) Arguer
 Ana Margarida Leitão (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/11 Role of Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Maria Beatriz Castela (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/11 Exploring the role of MFG-E8 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Supervisor
 Helena Coutinho (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/09 The impact of adult neurogenesis in mood disorders
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Mafalda Ferreira dos Santos (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/09 Distúrbios neurológicos associados às novas substâncias psicotrópicas.
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Alexandre Aleixo Marques (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/06 Doenças Neurodegenerativas: Uma Visão Gliocêntrica
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Ana Catarina Carvalho (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/04 HMGB1 and HMGB2 interactomes in ovarian and prostate tumours.
(Thesis) Arguer
 María Cámara Quílez (PhD)
Universidade da Coruña, Spain
2021/03 Avaliação do papel dos vários tipos de células do SNC na lesão de isquemia-reperfusão associado ao AVC
(Thesis) Arguer
 Sofia Santos (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/01/13 Impact of emergent new psychoactive substances (NPS) on neuronal and microglial function.
Supervisor
 Paulo Faria (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
2020/12 Possibilidades terapêuticas dos polifenóis alimentares na doença de Alzheimer
(Thesis) Main arguer
 João Nogueira (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2020/11 Biological and Technical Advances in Therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Diogo Pacheco (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2020/11 O papel das células de glia nas doenças neurodegenerativas
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Joana Branco (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2019/12/19 The effect of exercise and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor on peripheral and axial inflammation in an animal model of spondyloarthritis
(Thesis) Arguer
 Ana Rita Sofio (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2019/02/25 Unveilling the interplay between activated astrocytes and neurons in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease
(Thesis) Arguer
 Filipa Moreira (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/12/10 Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers for breast cancer brain metastasis
(Thesis) Arguer
 Marta Sereno (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/11 Targeting miR-124 in motor neurons as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neurodegeneration and glial activation in ALS
Supervisor
 Daniela Vizinha (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/09 The role of beclin-1 deacetylation on autophagic flux in Alzheimer’s disease
(Thesis) Arguer
 Filipa Filipe (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2017/05 Exploring the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition in the ex vivo model of epileptogenesis
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Nuno Rosa (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
2017/01 Drug delivery to the brain: design of peptides for selective blood-brain barrier transmigration
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Sara Coelho (Master)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Medicina, Portugal
2016/10 Modulation of HMGB1in reactive and irresponsive microglia treated with amyloid-ß peptide
Supervisor
 Maria Nunes (Master)
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Ad Hoc journal article review

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2019/10 - Current Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience (1662-5102) Frontiers Media SA
2019/05 - Current Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters (1689-1392) Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
2019/04 - Current Gene (0378-1119) Elsevier
2018/09 - Current Neurotoxicity Research (1476-3524) Springer-Verlag
2018/06 - Current Journal of Neuroinflammation (1742-2094) Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
2017/07 - Current Journal of Neurochemistry (1471-4159) Wiley (Blackwell Publishing)

Association member

Society Organization name Role
2017 - Current Portuguese Anatomical Society
2008 - Current Portuguese Society for Neurosciences

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2022/01/01 - Current Biochemistry I, Integrated Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2021/09 - Current Brain Barriers in Drug Development, Master in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2020/07/01 - Current Advances in Neuropharmaceutics Course, 1st year of the PhD in Pharmacy, FFUL Course Organizer and participation in Group discussion meetings and the final workshop ¿ Scientific projects pitch presentation. Lecturer of the Workshop: Advanced in vitro models for target discovery and neuropharmaceutic screening assays. Advances in Neuropharmaceutics Course (Doutoramento) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013/09/15 - Current Human Anatomy Subject, 1st year of the Integrated Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Anatomia Humana (Mestrado integrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013/09/15 - Current Development and Organization of the Nervous System, Master in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Organization of the Nervous System (Mestrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013/09/15 - Current Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology, Master in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology (Mestrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2013/01 - Current Pathophysiology of Neuroinflammation, Master in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, FFUL Ciências Biofarmacêuticas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal

Journal scientific committee

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2019/06/03 - Current Brain Sciences
2021/06/01 - 2022/04 Research Topic Neurodegeneration, Cell signaling and Neuroreparative Strategies Frontiers

Other jury / evaluation

Activity description Institution / Organization
2020/03/01 - 2020/03/30 Member of the jury to select the candidates that applied for a position of junior researcher for PhD holders under the project PTDC/SAU-TOX/32515/2017 (FCT - New psychoactive substances – a platform for risk assessment of teens brain exposure. PI: Á Lopes). Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/12/15 - 2019/01/31 Member of the jury to select the candidates that applied for a position of research fellowship for MSc holders under the project - PTDC/MED-ONC/29402/2017 (FCT- Detect, prevent, eradicate: a multi-step strategy to abrogate brain metastasization of breast cancer. PI: MA Brito). Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
2018/11/01 - 2018/12/19 Member of the jury to select the candidates that applied for a position of junior researcher for PhD holders under the project PTDC/MED-NEU/31395/2017 (FCT - Development of an autologous exosome-based therapy by engineering microRNAs in microglia and motor-neurons using mice and human models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PI: D Brites; Co-PI: AR Vaz). Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Farmácia, Portugal
Distinctions

Award

2014 Best Poster Presentation at I Luso-Brasilian Glial Network Symposium

Other distinction

2019 Fellowship for participation at SPN Meeting 2019, Lisbon, May 30- Jun 1, 2019
Sociedade Portuguesa de Neurociências, Portugal
2017 Fellowship for participation in the European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease in Edinburgh, UK, July 8 – 11, 2017
Network GLIA, Germany
2013 Fellowship for participation at 24th Biennial Meeting ISN/ASN 2013, Cancun, Mexico, April 20-24, 2013
International Society for Neurochemistry, Switzerland
2013 Fellowship for participation at 13th ESNI 2013 Course, Porto, Portugal, July 3-6, 2013
European School of neuroimmunology, Italy
2012 Fellowship for participation at 8th FENS Forum of European Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain, July 14-18, 2012
Sociedade Portuguesa de Neurociências, Portugal