Two MIA-Portugal Groups Awarded FCT R&D Projects
Two leading scientists from MIA-Portugal, Dr. Joana Ferreira and Dr. Hugo Fernandes, have been awarded highly competitive research grants by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Decoding the Ageing Brain: AGE@nano
Dr. Joana Ferreira, group leader of the Synapse Architecture Group at MIA-Portugal, was awarded funding to develop the research project titled “The aged synapse: nanostructure and plasticity shift in cognitive performance” (AGE@nano). The project aims to explore how nanoscale alterations in synapses — the connections between neurons — contribute to age-related cognitive decline by affecting synaptic plasticity, memory, and learning.
“We aim to understand the molecular and structural underpinnings of cognitive ageing” Dr. Joana explained. “This knowledge could guide the development of more accurate diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to promote healthy ageing.”
A Breakthrough Strategy for Diabetes Treatment: EVOLUTION
The Advanced Cell Technology Group, led by Dr. Hugo Fernandes, will develop the project EVOLUTION, which seeks to revolutionize diabetes treatment by rescuing pancreatic ß cells from glucolipotoxicity-induced cell death — a key driver of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The project capitalizes on a powerful combination: microRNAs (miRNAs), which can regulate multiple genes simultaneously, and advanced drug delivery platforms. Using specific miRNAs that target ß cells, the EVOLUTION project aims to restore insulin secretion and metabolic control in preclinical models.
“This system is highly modular and adaptable” Dr. Hugo stated. “Beyond diabetes, the platform has potential applications in various diseases where targeted delivery of nucleic acids could be therapeutic.”
Preliminary studies by Dr. Hugo’s team have already identified candidate miRNAs capable of preserving ß cell identity and function, and in vivo testing is currently underway to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.