Research Lab

Drug Targets and Biomarkers

64786

Lab Members

Research Interests

In the Drug Target and Biomarkers Lab, we carry out applied and fundamental research in areas such as Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology and Molecular and Cell Biology.

We have been focusing on the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying aging, pregnancy/fertility, chronic kidney disease, ER-dependent breast cancer, hereditary anaemias and Toxoplasma gondii infections. Human samples, in vitro and in vivo models are used to identify biomarkers of diagnostic/ prognostic value, new targets and/or new therapeutic strategies.

The haematotoxicity of natural compounds and the effects of different compounds on placental development have also been under investigation.

Research Highlights

Hormone dependent breast cancer: autophagy and PI3K in exemestane-acquired resistance and new potential aromatase inhibitors

The emergence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a global health problem underlies the need for biomarkers of outcome. Inflammation is a common feature in CKD, contributing to DNA damage.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and inflammatory biomarkers were studied in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The predictive value of cfDNA in their outcome was evaluated. Patients (versus controls) showed higher levels of cfDNA and inflammation. All-cause mortality was 9.7%; deceased (versus alive) patients showed higher cfDNA and inflammation; cfDNA was the best predictor of all-cause mortality. Our data showed cfDNA as avaluable predictive marker of outcome in HD patients. Find more here.

Representative Projects

“The endocannabinoids as modulators of cell death and differentiation: A unified hypothesis of how cannabinoids affect placental development”, FCT-MCTES and FEDER, Total and Unit funding €102,455, Georgina Correia da Silva (PI).
“DESignBIOtecHealth: new technologies for three health challenges of modern societies: diabetes, drugs abuse and kidney diseases”, FEDER-Portugal 2020, Total funding: €2.8M, Unit funding: €374,000, Alice Silva (PI of the sub-area NEPHROCARDIORISK).
“ADErIR Study - Together We Stand: Promoting adherence in end-stage renal disease through a family based selfmanagement intervention”, FCT-MCTES, Total funding: €211,100, Unit funding: €3,750.
“Emerging inflammatory mediators as predictors of oocyte quality and assisted reproduction techniques outcome: from biochemical markers to clinic”, FCTMCTES, Total funding: €239,420, Unit funding: €211,700, Irene Rebelo (PI).

Selected Publications

Lousa, I; Reis, F; Beirao, I; Alves, R; Belo, L; Santos-Silva, A. 2021. New Potential Biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease Management-A Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22, DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010043

Silva, ES; Silva, HM; Catarino, C; Dias, CC; Santos-Silva, A; Lopes, AI. 2021. Neonatal cholestasis: development of a diagnostic decision algorithm from multivariate predictive models. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03886-z

Fernandes, S; Ribeiro, C; Paiva-Martins, F; Catarino, C; Santos-Silva, A. 2020. Protective effect of olive oil polyphenol phase II sulfate conjugates on erythrocyte oxidative-induced hemolysis. Food & Function, 11, DOI: 10.1039/d0fo01690j

Melo, D; Ferreira, F; Coimbra, S; Rocha, S; Santos-Silva, A. 2020. Ascorbic Acid as an Important Erythrocyte Antioxidant Defense in Patients with Non-immune Hemolytic Anemias - a preliminary study. FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, 159, DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.10.084

Kardas, P; Aguilar-Palacio, I; Almada, M; Cahir, C; Costa, E; Giardini, A; Malo, S; Mesquida, MM; Menditto, E; Midao, L; Parra-Calderon, CL; Salom, EP; Vrijens, B. 2020. The Need to Develop Standard Measures of Patient Adherence for Big Data: Viewpoint. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH, 22, DOI: 10.2196/18150