The main aim of our group is to understand fundamental cellular processes such as membrane traffic and how they contribute to human disease. We use a variety of research approaches, including cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology and mouse models. We aim at developing new molecular tools, testing biomarkers and uncovering new gene and cell-based treatments, in an effort to tackle genetic and chronic diseases.
Research Areas
Retinal Degeneration
- Cell and Molecular Biology of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE)
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Gene- and Cell-based therapies focusing on the RPE
- Retinal Neurodegeneration
Skin Pigmentation
- Mechanisms of pigment release by melanocytes
- Mechanisms of pigment uptake and processing by keratinocytes
- Melanocyte/keratinocyte cross-talk
Cancer Biomarkers
- Rab GTPases as novel markers in breast and oral cancer
:: Retinal Degeneration
Retinal degeneration disorders affect millions of people worldwide and constitute a set of incurable diseases that gradually progress to blindness. Current treatments focus mainly on symptom management, even though there are still large gaps in our knowledge regarding eye homeostasis and respective control mechanisms. The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) is a highly specialized layer of cells, representing a fundamental component of the visual unit. In many retinal disorders, photoreceptor degeneration occurs as a consequence of RPE dysfunction. Our group combines expertise in retinal cell biology, both in normal and pathological conditions. For the latter, we have focused our studies on Choroideremia, an X-linked form of retinal degeneration. We are now extending our studies to dissect the role of the RPE in AMD. Furthermore, we are using differentiation methods to derive RPE from human ES and iPS cells. Our RPE in vitro system will be used for fundamental studies as well as for potential translational applications to treat retinal degeneration.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss in the working age population worldwide. There are no effective treatments for preventing DR onset or progression to severe late stages. Our goal is to develop new genetic and pharmacological therapeutic strategies to overcome syn loss of function and gain of toxic function, taking advantage of the privileged status of the eye for both therapies. We will also aim to identify new biomarkers for the different DR disease stages and severity degrees.
:: Skin Pigmentation
Regulation of skin pigmentation relies on an intricate crosstalk between the pigment-producing cells – melanocytes – and pigment-recipient cells – keratinocytes. The specific molecular mechanisms, which induce melanocytes to produce and transfer pigment to keratinocytes are mostly unknown. Our group aims at decoding the dialogue between these two skin cell types so as to understand the molecular basis for baseline pigmentation and pigmentation disorders.
:: Cancer Biomarkers
Our work is based on a collaborative study with several Hospitals in the Lisbon area. We focus on developing novel early diagnostic tools and evaluation of disease progression for oral and breast cancer. Oral cancer has high incidence and prevalence rates, even though the oral cavity can be easily observed. Early diagnostic methods are crucial, in order to decrease morbidity and mortality associated to this disease. On the other hand, breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Since Rab GTPases have been implicated in multiple cancers, our group focuses mainly on Rab25 and Rab27 as potential biomarkers of disease progression in these types of cancer.
- “The role of necroptosis in Choroideremia”"
2021-2023
FCT Project: EXPL/MED-OUT/0599/2021
PI: Pedro Antas
Abstract: Inherited retinopathies affect approximately 1 in 2,000 people worldwide and most are still incurable. Choroideremia (CHM) is one of such diseases, a monogenic X-linked form of retinal degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. Our lab was the first to develop a retinal gene therapy approach to treat patients with CHM. To date, clinical trials have shown promising results but also limitations. First, gene replacement is dependent on the survival of cells into which the delivery of functional genes occurs. Second, gene therapy will not be of therapeutic benefit once extensive retinal degeneration has occurred. As such, these strategies are not therapeutically beneficial once extensive cell death events have taken place in the diseased retina. Surprisingly, very little is known about the molecular events that lead to the cell death of the different retinal layers in CHM: What are the molecular mechanisms of cell death in CHM? Which cell death pathway(s) is the most relevant in the context of CHM REP-1 loss of function? How do trafficking defects contribute to the final outcome of cell death in CHM? Does the accumulation of unprocessed material due to lysosomal dysfunction contributes to cell death?
Here, we propose to use human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from CHM patients, which will be differentiated into RPE to address these open questions. hiPSC-RPE cells have been shown to exhibit key physiological functions and are one of only a few cell types derived from hiPSCs that have met standards for human use in clinical trials. Moreover, we will use the immortalized human RPE cell line ARPE-19, engineered in our lab, via gene editing, with a null mutation in REP-1. In parallel, we will take advantage of our library of specimens previously collected from our mouse models of CHM disease. We are one of the few labs in the world with a mouse model of CHM, previously created using conditional Cre-loxP technology. We propose to examine the distinct pathways of cell death in RPE, including apoptosis and non-apoptotic forms, both in RPE cell models and in retinas from mouse model of CHM. By combining gene editing, new lysosomes analysis techniques, electron microscopy and with the recent discoveries in new cell death pathways, we expect to gather new insights into the pathophysiology of CHM.
- "Mechanisms of Cell Death in Choroideremia"
2021-2022
Fight for Sight, UK
PI: Miguel C. Seabra & Clare Futter Instituto de Oftalmologia da University College London, UK
Abstract: Choroideremia (CHM) is a disease that cause progressive vision loss leading to complete loss of vision in mid-life. Our lab was the first lab developing a potentially curative for retinal gene therapy patients with CHM. However, gene therapy will not be therapeutic beneficial once extensive degenerative events have taken place in the retina. In this context, the search for complementary therapies is thus of extreme importance.
We believe that identifying the contribution of the different cell death pathways to the loss of RPE in CHM will open new avenues for the development of new therapeutic strategies for CHM patients. Here, we will use RPE cells derived from CHM patients to examine the molecular processes underlying the cell death mechanisms involved in CHM. Dissecting the sequence of events of these pathogenic pathways is likely to identify new biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for CHM.
- "LYSOCIL: Excel in Rare Diseases’ Research: Focus on LYSOsomal Disorders and CILiopathies"
2018-2022
European Union’s Horizon Twinning project 2020 (No 811087)
PIs: Duarte Barral and Susana Lopes
Abstract: LYSOCIL is a Twinning Project led by NOVA Medical School (NMS) that aims to strengthen the research and innovation capacity of the Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC-NMS|FCM) in research in rare diseases, helping it to become a national and internationally-recognized centre of excellence in chronic rare diseases research and innovation. For this project, CEDOC-NMS|FCM partnered up with two internationally-leading institutions, Münster University (WWU), a German institution with a strong research profile in basic, clinical and translational medicine connected to rare diseases, and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), the leading Italian research center dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind rare genetic diseases. This partnership will boost the multidisciplinary knowledge and experience, as well as research and training practices and widen the collaborative networks to step up the excellence of the research of the involved partners. Our research group is a partner in this project.
- “Lysosome dysfunction in age-related diseases”
2018- 2022
Project 30385 (IC&DT – AAC n.º 02/SAICT/2017)
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
Abstract: We hypothesise that dysfunction of the lysosomal network is a critical component in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common blinding disease in the western world. We further hypothesise that lysosomal dysfunction is a common and early contributing factor for the onset of other prevalent age-related diseases. The main goal of this project is to establish a molecular signature of dysfunctional lysosomes and study whether there is an imbalance between dysfunctional and normal lysosomes in AMD as well as in ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases. If so, this project will contribute novel biomarkers for AMD and other age-related diseases and pave the way to novel therapeutic approaches. We will also test the hypothesis that lysosomal dysfunction can induce other cellular dysfunctions, such as proteostasis defects, redox imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory signalling, thereby establishing causal relationships in the pathogenesis of AMD.
- "Recovering neuronal function and promoting neuroprotection in diabetic retinopathy”
2018- 2022
Project 29656 (IC&DT – AAC n.º 02/SAICT/2017)
PI: Sandra Tenreiro
Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss in the working age population worldwide. There are no effective treatments for preventing DR onset or progression to severe late stages.
We propose that synucleins contribute to retinal degeneration in a similar mechanism to what is known to occur in Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to develop new genetic and pharmacological therapeutic strategies to overcome synucleins loss of function and gain of toxic function, taking advantage of the privileged status of the eye for both therapies. We will also identify new biomarkers for the different DR disease stages and severity degrees.
This study will provide novel insights to innovative therapies for Diabetic retinopathy targeting early stages of the disease which involves retinal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Also, biomarkers identification is fundamental to refine personalized medicine and to Diabetic retinopathy patient’s stratification. The emerging results will pave the way for translational research with patients.
- "Correction of lysosomal dysfunction in Retinal Pigmented Epithelial (RPE) cells"
2018-2019
Boehringer Ingelheim
PI: Miguel Seabra
- "Mechanisms of Cell Death in Choroideremia"
2018-2019
Choroideremia Research Foundation, USA
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
Abstract: Choroideremia (CHM), is an X-linked recessive chorioretinal degeneration disease caused by functional defects in CHM/REP1, a chaperone protein for Rab GTPases, which are critical regulators of multiple steps in membrane traffic pathways. Retinal gene therapy with an adeno-associated viral vector encoding REP1 in patients with CHM is a very promising approach towards a cure. Nevertheless, it remains important to unravel alternative approaches. Here, we propose to study the mechanisms of cell death in CHM with an initial focus on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We propose to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms of RPE cell death using a cellular model of CHM RPE based on iPS technology. We expect that the knowledge obtained from this project leads to the development of new therapeutic approaches towards CHM.
- "Biomembrane: Bioengineered in vitro model of retinal pigmented epithelium of human eye"
2017-2020
M-ERA.NET 2/0005/2016 funded by FP7 EU programme
PI: Prof. Giovanni Vozzi, University of Pisa, Italy
Abstract: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly worldwide: although it does not cause total blindness, there is a progressive loss of high-acuity vision attributable to degenerative and neovascular changes in the macula. Currently, there is neither a cure nor a strategy to prevent AMD. New discoveries, however, are beginning to provide a much clearer picture of the relevant cellular events and biochemical processes associated with early AMD and the ageing process in general. The emerging picture is one where one layer of the retina, the retinal pigmented epithelium appears to be the critical layer responsible for the disease initiation and progression. RPE dysfunction and eventually death lead to pathological changes in the interface with the vascular layer, the choroid, which are typical of AMD.
The main objective of this project is the design and fabrication of an alternative and smart in vitro model to boost the discovery of new therapeutic strategies for age-related macular degeneration. The development of an in vitro model of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) interfaced to choroidal vascular network (CVN) is expected to provide a more reliable device for the pharmaceutical testing and the evaluation of custom therapies for each patient. This device, developed during the project, will have an important impact on health care costs as the new materials and the related in vitro models are expected to be more economic than the current testing system.
To reach the goal, a micro- and nano-fabrication techniques will be combined to mimic the physiological role played by the Bruch’s membrane (BrM), the interface between CVN and RPE
This project is integrated in a European consortium of 5 partners, 2 of them are biopharma companies and is funded by FP7 EU programme.
- “Molecular mechanisms of melanosome transfer and processing by keratinocytes"
01/01/2011 –31/12/2013
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Molecular dissection of the intracellular route of Plasmodium in macrophages and dendritic cells”
01/10/2010 – 30/09/2013
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Subversion of the host endocytic pathway by Plasmodium sporozoites”
01/02/2010 – 31/01/2013
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Functional genomics studies of phagocytosis in retinal pigment epithelium”
01/02/2010 – 31/01/2013
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Regulation of retinal growth factors secretion by Rab GTPases"
01/01/2010 – 31/12/2012
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Expression of Rab GTPases in Breast Cancer”
01/07/2010 – 30/06/2012
Bolsa Terry Fox / Liga Portuguesa contra o Cancro
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Molecular mechanisms of organelle motility”
01/01/2008 – 31/12/2010
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- “Molecular mechanisms of parasitophorous vacuole formation in malaria infection”
01/10/2007 – 31/03/2010
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
PI: Miguel C. Seabra
- Vale-Costa S, Alenquer M, Sousa AL, Kellen B, Ramalho J, Tranfield EM, Amorim MJ (2016) Influenza A virus ribonucleoproteins modulate host recycling by competing with Rab11 effectors. J Cell Sci. 2016 Mar 3. pii: jcs.188409. [Epub ahead of print]
- Thieleke-Matos C, Lopes da Silva M, Cabrita-Santos L, Portal MD, Rodrigues IP, Zuzarte-Luis V, Ramalho JS, Futter CE, Mota MM, Barral DC, Seabra MC (2015) Host cell autophagy contributes to Plasmodium liver development.Cell Microbiol. 18(3):437-50. doi: 10.1111/cmi.12524. Epub 2015 Nov 4.
- Wankel B, Ouyang J, Guo X, Hadjiolova K, Miller J, Liao Y, Tham DK, Romih R, Andrade LR, Gumper I, Simon JP, Sachdeva R, Tolmachova T, Seabra MC, Fukuda M, Schaeren-Wiemers N, Hong W, Sabatini DD, Wu XR, Kong X, Kreibich G, Rindler MJ, Sun TT.(2016) Sequential and compartmentalized action of Rabs, SNAREs and MAL in the apical delivery of fusiform vesicles in urothelial umbrella cells. Mol Biol Cell. 2016 Mar 23. pii: mbc.E15-04-0230. [Epub ahead of print]
- Edwards TL, Jolly JK, Groppe M, Barnard AR, Cottriall CL, Tolmachova T, Black GC, Webster AR, Lotery AJ, Holder GE, Xue K, Downes SM, Simunovic MP, Seabra MC, MacLaren RE. (2016) Visual Acuity after Retinal Gene Therapy for Choroideremia. N Engl J Med. 2016 Apr 27. [Epub ahead of print]
- Booth AE, Tarafder AK, Hume AN, Recchi C, Seabra MC (2016) A Role for Na+,K+-ATPase α1 in Regulating Rab27a Localisation on Melanosomes. PLoS One. 11(2):e0148719. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148719.
- Hendrix A, Maynard D, Pauwels P, Braems G, Denys H, Van den Broecke R, Belle SV, Cocquyt V, Gespach C, Bracke M, Seabra MC, Gahl WA, Wever OD, Westbroek W. The secretory small GTPase RAB27B regulates invasive tumor growth and metastasis through extracellular HSP90. J. Nat. Canc. Inst., in press (IF: 14.933)
- Ostrowski M, Carmo NB, Krumeich S, Fanget I, Raposo G, Savina A, Moita CF, Schauer K, Hume AN, Freitas RP, Goud B, Benaroch P, Hacohen N, Fukuda M, Desnos C, Seabra MC, Darchen F, Amigorena S, Moita LF, Thery C. Rab27a and Rab27b control different steps of the exosome secretion pathway. Nature Cell Biol., 2010 Jan;12(1):19-30; sup pp 1-13. (IF: 17.776)
- Figueiredo AC, Wasmeier C, Tarafder AK, Ramalho JS, Baron RA, Seabra MC. Rab3GEP is the non-redundant guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab27a in melanocytes. J Biol Chem. 2008 Aug 22;283(34):23209-16. (IF: 5.581)
- Lopes VS, Ramalho JS, Owen DM, Karl MO, Strauss O, Futter CE, Seabra MC. The ternary Rab27a-Myrip-Myosin VIIa complex regulates melanosome motility in the retinal pigment epithelium. Traffic. 2007 May;8(5):486-99. (IF: 5.709 )
- Tolmachova T, Abrink M, Futter CE, Authi KS, Seabra MC. Rab27b regulates number and secretion of platelet dense granules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Apr 3;104(14):5872-7. (IF: 9.380)
- Clare Futter, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
- Graça Raposo, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Giovanni Vozzi, Università di Pisa – Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio”, Pisa, Italy
- Wojciech Swieszkowski, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
- Eugene Smit, SNC Fibers, South Africa
- Miguel Veja, Allinky Biopharma, Spain
- Davida Gamm, Un. Wisconsin, Madison, USA
