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universidade lusófona
Research

Models & Molecular Mechanisms Lab

Head

Ana Sofia Fernandes

 

 

 

 

 

The Models & Molecular Mechanisms Lab is equipped with all the necessary facilities and has the know-how for in silico and cell-free assays, and the culture (2D and 3D), genetic modification and analysis of mammalian
and yeast cells. We have developed expertise on redox biology, cell death and migration mechanisms, proteostasis and cell metabolism. .
We are dedicated to advancing biomarker research, drug discovery, and xenobiotics safety assessment, focusing on applications in cancer and metabolic diseases.

Resources

Cell culture facilities
Cell culture room equipped to handle mammalian cell lines of biosafety levels 1 and 2. 

Yeast culture facilities
Yeast culture rooms equipped to handle yeast strains.

Flow cytometry (FACScalibur BD)
Applications: Cell death, Reactive oxygen species, Cell cycle analysis, Cell population detection and
other.

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Fluorescence microscopy (Zeiss Axio Observer with Colibri7, temperature control and automated stage).
Applications: Immunofluorescence, Live-cell imaging, Phase contrast, Multiple-position analysis, etc.

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Real-time PCR (QuantStudio 1)
Applications: Gene expression analysis, RNA and DNA copy number absolute quantification, etc.

Multimode plate reader (Biotek Synergy HTX with temperature control and automated injectors)
Applications: Absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence measurements.

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Translational Capacities and Services

Advanced training in Fundamentals of Cell Culture


Our Cell Culture Fundamentals course has been running regularly for over 10 years. After the success
of previous editions, the 7 th edition is planned for 2025. This training aims to provide the basic
theoretical foundations of cell culture, along with a strong laboratory component, which will allow
students to learn and train fundamental techniques in a cell culture laboratory.
https://ects.ulusofona.pt/formacao-avancada/fundamentos-de-cultura-celular-6a-edicao-2023/

Advanced training in Gene expression manipulation and analysis

Gene expression analysis and manipulation techniques constitute an essential set of tools in cellular
and molecular biology. We aim at providing students with an up to date theoretical and practical
knowledge on this field. The course has been running since 2016, has a strong laboratory component
(over 60%) and includes lecturers from several research institutes and scientific fields. The 5th
edition is planned for 2025.
https://ects.ulusofona.pt/noticias/manipulacao-e-analise-da-expressao-genica-4a-edicao-2023/

Advanced training in Cell Migration


This workshop addresses the role of cell migration in different physiopathological processes, the
different types of cell migration and the respective morphological, functional and molecular
alterations involved. We also present the most commonly used cell-based techniques, including the
wound-healing assay, chemotaxis, random single cell migration, cell invasion, as well as molecular
tools and assays to dissect the mechanotransduction processes. Practical classes allow students to
contact with key methodologies. The 3 rd edition is planned for 2024.
https://ects.ulusofona.pt/noticias/6951/

Services

Cytotoxicity studies
Flow cytometry analysis
Fluorescence microscopy
Real-time PCR
Yeast knock-out library - compounds screening and mechanistic studies