Beatriz Monteiro

Previously, it has been shown that in iPSC-neurons derived from Parkinson's Disease patients with mutations in the PRKN gene, the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol was significantly higher compared with wild-type cells. This process can trigger immune processes leading to brain inflammation. In my project, the aim is to understand if some specific pores formed in the mitochondria are mediating this release, and if so what drugs can avoid this process.

The aim of this project was to develop an innovative and noninvasive molecular imaging approach to Cistic Fibrosis diagnoses. During my internship, I took part in the improvement of these antibody-based probes to target the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This new imaging biomarker proved to be helpful in the assessment of early therapy response in drug evaluation.

For my Barchelor's degree thesis, I developed a project with Rhizolab (Laboratory of Biochemistry and Stress) and CESAM (Center for the Study of the Environment and the Sea) at Universidade de Aveiro. Title: “Plant growth promoting bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of mediterranean leguminous shrubs biotechnological potential for the recovery of burnt areas due to wild fires". (Final classification: 19/20)