GER – Gene Expression and Regulation

Margarida Gama-Carvalho

The main goal of the Gene Expression and Regulation Group is to explore the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression programs at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and their connection to signaling pathways, using a combination of cell and molecular biology studies with transcriptomics and bioinformatic approaches.

The group aims to tackle scientific problems that are relevant for human health and disease therapy and to explore applications to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies bridging Gene Expression Mechanisms to Systems Function and Therapy Development. The group is composed of four research teams located at the academic campus of FCUL (RNA Biology and Bioinformatics lab, lead by the group coordinator), the INSA campus (‘Signaling pathways in gene expression lab’ and the ‘mRNA Metabolism lab’), and at the University of Trás-os-Montes (‘Genome organization lab’). Each team explores independent but interconnected scientific aims within the overall objectives, contributing towards the development of a coherent research program in the area of eukaryotic control of gene expression.

A significant part of the group’s research involves the application and development of bioinformatic tools for RNA-seq data analysis, supported by a server infrastructure with capacity for analysis of eukaryotic transcriptomes.

Specific research interests include: 1) basic mechanism of gene expression and RNA-based therapy developments; 2) characterization of gene expression pathways underlying rare genetic disorders; 3) role of RNA pathways in neuronal function and neurodegeneration; 4) signaling pathways in cell function and cancer and their connection to splicing; 5) translational control and mRNA surveillance in cell function and cancer; 6) role of repetitive DNA sequences in genome organization and function.

Due to the focus on fundamental pathways for cell function and regulation and the extended use of transcriptomics and bioinformatic approaches, the GE&R group is in a pivotal position within BioISI contributing towards all thematic strands (TS) and being particularly involved in the Biomedicine and Bioinformatics and Modeling TS.

Team

Group Leader: Margarida Gama-Carvalho mhcarvalho@fc.ul.pt

Recent Publications

BioISI Digest | Human Satellite 1A analysis provides evidence of pericentromeric transcription

In a recent publication first-authored by Mariana Lopes, a PhD student supervised by Raquel Chaves, Margarida Gama-Carvalho , and Sandra Louzada, human satellite 1A transcription was studied for the first time. These structures are highly repeated sequences and can be transcribed into non-coding RNAs with relevant functions in the genomes. Discover more here.

BioISI Digest | The experienced positive and negative influence of HIV on quality of life of people with HIV and vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands

Ganna Rozhnova studied the perceived influence of HIV on the quality of life of people with HIV and people vulnerable to HIV. If you want to know more on the reported positive aspects in living with HIV, read the BioISI Digest below.

BioISI Digest | Additive Potentiation of R334W-CFTR Function by Novel Small Molecules

Miquéias Pacheco and his team reported the discovery of four new compounds that potentiate the function of the protein that is defective in Cystic Fibrosis. Read this BioISI Digest to know how these molecules can be a potential innovative therapy for people with CF carrying a rare mutation.

José Lourenço co-leads the european working group of the Climate Amplified Disease and Epidemics consortium

José Lourenço co-leads the European working group of CLIMADE – Climate Amplified Disease and Epidemics consortium and will be able to greatly contribute to solutions in public health concerning mosquito-borne viruses.

BioISI Digest | First assessment of leaf lipids and fatty acids as biomarkers of grapevine tolerance/susceptibility to Plasmopara viticola

A recent paper, first-authored by Ana Rita Cavaco and headed by Andreia Figueiredo reports a distinctive profile of lipids and fatty acids in tolerant and susceptible grapevine varieties to downy mildew. If you want to know more, read this BioISI Digest.

Bio[r]SciDE – Science Days and Ephemeris | International Epilepsy Day

On this International Epilepsy Day, we showcase the Epilepsy and Aging Lab contribution to epilepsy research. Find out more