Open Innovation Opportunity

Project Proposal

What is our expertise?
At the Neuronal Trafficking and Aging research group of NOVA Medical School (NMS), we are focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We have been working on dissecting the underlying mechanisms of brain aging and late-onset AD risk factors. We have developed preclinical research models that recapitulate neuronal endolysosomal abnormalities, amyloid accumulation, and synapse loss. Using different mouse primary neurons and human-induced neurons and a cutting-edge approach (single-cell quantitative analysis, AI-based analysis, Bioimaging, and neuroscience functional assays such as neurotransmitter release, calcium imaging, and multielectrode arrays) metabolomics, metagenomics, and molecular biology), we are working towards the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to reverse synapse loss and delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease preserving brain health.

Why NOVA Medical School (NMS)?
NOVA Medical School (NMS) at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa is a forward-thinking medical institution in Portugal, centred on three core pillars: education, research, and community engagement. NMS places a strong emphasis on translational research aimed at addressing pressing health issues. The NMS ecosystem is dynamic and diverse, integrating clinical and biomedical researchers, nutritionists, clinicians, and patients, fostering an innovative environment that spans from identifying needs to delivering solutions and facilitating high-quality translational research. The multidisciplinary setting at NMS allows for applying basic research insights in clinical practice, helping established interventions become routine, accelerating the introduction of new treatments to patients, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Our ecosystem gives us access to cohorts of patients with almost any disease. Currently, NMS is a partner in 11 collaborative HEU projects, participates in EITHealth projects, and is a member of networks such as EATRIS and EUTOPIA.