Poster

Abstract

Calcification and inflammation are interconnected events in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and atherosclerosis which represent the highest health burden in modern society. A deeper knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and the discovery of new modulating agents targeting both inflammation and calcification, will pave the way to new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular-associated diseases. Within the frame of several FCT projects we have shown that the vitamin K-dependent protein, Gla-rich protein (GRP), function as a calcification inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agent in the cardiovascular system. Increasing GRP levels were shown to reduce extracellular matrix (ECM) calcification by modulating cells differentiation and the calcification potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Also, GRP was shown to decrease inflammatory responses by target cells. GRP deficiency in circulating calciprotein particles (CPPs) and EVs isolated from CKD patients, was associated to increased calcification and inflammation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Possible translational applications focusing on the use of GRP both as a biomarker and as a therapeutic agent for vascular calcification-related diseases will be discussed. 

Short CV

Carla Viegas graduated in Biochemistry by the University of Algarve in 1999 and completed her PhD degree in Biochemistry/Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Algarve in 2010. Carla has been part of the Functional Biochemistry and Proteomics (FBP) group as a postdoctoral researcher since its creation in 2010, and a co-founder of GenoGla Diagnostics, a CCMAR/UALG spin-off company. Her main research interests are focused on the elucidation of GRP function in humans and its relevance on pathological processes particularly associated to calcification-related chronic inflammatory diseases, and a special focus on the development of technologies with translational applications into the biomedical field.

Atendance Certificate

JUNE SEMINARS