Group Leader
Research Focus:
The ACT Lab's core research areas include:
• Cellular Ageing and Stem Cell Biology: Unravelling the molecular mechanisms driving stem cell exhaustion and dysfunction during ageing.
• RNA-Based Therapeutics: Developing miRNA-based interventions for regenerative medicine, particularly targeting cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
• Extracellular Vesicle Biology: Utilizing EVs as a source of biomarkers in diverse age-related conditions, and for the delivery of functional molecules to enhance tissue repair and regeneration.
Mission:
To leverage the principles of cell biology and regenerative processes to develop innovative strategies that restore tissue function, delay aging, and enhance healthspan through translational research.
Our Approach:
The ACT Lab employs a cell-centric approach, creating advanced cellular disease models and employing high-throughput screening technologies and advanced molecular profiling to identify new molecular targets. We leverage these models to unravel the fundamental mechanisms governing aging and regeneration, informing the development of cutting-edge bioengineering therapeutic strategies. Our translational approach bridges fundamental discovery with clinical application, leveraging international collaborations and partnerships with academia and industry.
Relevant publications:
Fernandes H, Zonnari A, Abreu R, Aday S, Barão M, Albino I, et al. Extracellular vesicles enriched with an endothelial cell pro-survival microRNA affects skin tissue regeneration. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2022 Jun;28:307–27.
Ottaviani L, Juni RP, de Abreu RC, Sansonetti M, Sampaio-Pinto V, Halkein J, et al. Intercellular transfer of miR-200c-3p impairs the angiogenic capacity of cardiac endothelial cells. Molecular Therapy. 2022 Jun;30(6):2257–73.
de Abreu RC, Ramos C V., Becher C, Lino M, Jesus C, da Costa Martins PA, et al. Exogenous loading of miRNAs into small extracellular vesicles. J Extracell Vesicles. 2021 Aug 2;10(10).
de Abreu RC, Fernandes H, da Costa Martins PA, Sahoo S, Emanueli C, Ferreira L. Native and bioengineered extracellular vesicles for cardiovascular therapeutics. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2020 Nov 1;17(11):685–97.
Vazão H, Rosa S, Barata T, Costa R, Pitrez PR, Honório I, et al. High-throughput identification of small molecules that affect human embryonic vascular development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 Apr 11;114(15):E3022–31.
Doorn J, Fernandes HAM, Le BQ, van de Peppel J, van Leeuwen JPTM, De Vries MR, et al. A small molecule approach to engineering vascularized tissue. Biomaterials. 2013 Apr;34(12):3053–63.
Barradas AMC, Fernandes HAM, Groen N, Chai YC, Schrooten J, van de Peppel J, et al. A calcium-induced signaling cascade leading to osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Biomaterials. 2012 Apr;33(11):3205–15.
Yuan H, Fernandes H, Habibovic P, de Boer J, Barradas AMC, de Ruiter A, et al. Osteoinductive ceramics as a synthetic alternative to autologous bone grafting. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010 Aug 3;107(31):13614–9.