Carla S.B. Viegas

24/10/2018 to present: Assistant Researcher, University of Algarve/Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR); 01/09/2017 to 28/02/2018: Invited Assistant Professor, University of Algarve: Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Master classes. Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering; 01/10/2014 to 30/09/2017: Postdoc researcher at the Functional Biochemistry and Proteomics (FBP) research group, under FCT fellowship SFRH/BPD/70277/2010, Unveiling molecular mechanisms of GRP as calcification inhibitor associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vascular calcification. CCMAR; 01/10/2011 to 30/9/2014: Postdoc researcher at the FBP research group, under FCT fellowship SFRH/BPD/70277/2010, Studies for the establishment of GRP as a biomarker for ectopic calcifications. Insights into the role of GRP in tumoral processes. CCMAR; 01/10/2011 to 30-9-2011: Postdoc researcher at the FBP research group, under FCT fellowship SFRH/BPD/70277/2010, 1)Studies for the establishment of GRP as a biomarker for ectopic calcifications. Insights into the role of GRP in tumoral processes. 2) Unveiling molecular mechanisms of GRP as calcification inhibitor associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vascular calcification. CCMAR/University of Algarve. 14-1-2011 a 30-9-2011- PostDoc researcher, under the FCT project PTDC/SAU-ESA/101186/2008, at the recently created CCMAR research group, the Functional Biochemistry and Proteomics (FBP) research group headed by Prof Dina Simes. CCMAR/ University of Algarve 2005-2010- PhD student at EDGE/CCMAR- University of Algarve 1999- Degree in Biochemistry- University of Algarve Scientific area: Proteomics and molecular and cellular biology applied to the study of Vitamin K dependent (VKD) proteins that are associated with physiological and pathological tissue mineralization (vascular, skin and skeleton). Since the discovery of GRP during my PhD thesis I’m focused on studies to unveil GRP function and molecular mechanism underlying its function, the relation of GRP with calcification-related inflammatory diseases, and the establishment of GRP as a biomarker for pathological calcification and inflammatory processes, with the development and validation of specific bioassays to measure serum levels and gamma-carboxylation status of the protein, suitable for research and medical applications. Specialization Domain:Molecular and Cellular Biology of mineralized tissues, ectopic mineralization pathologies of soft tissues, and bone and cartilage biology, with experience in a broad range of techniques used in this area, such as purification of nucleic acids, cloning and sequencing of cDNAs and genes, expression analysis by Northen blot and Real time PCR, construction and screening of cDNA and genomic libraries, identification of sites of gene expression, by in situ hybridization, and protein accumulation by immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis through functional analysis of promoters, development and maintenance of cell cultures, among others. Protein purification and biochemical characterization of VKD proteins from vertebrates, using several methods for protein analysis, such as SDS-PAGE, western and dot blotting, specific gel staining, and transfer to PVDF membranes for sequence analysis. In vitro production and characterization of recombinant proteins produced in E. coli by mammalian cell systems. Current research interests: Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the onset and development of highly prevalent calcification related chronic inflammatory diseases as cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis. Ectopic mineralization and inflammation related pathologies of the cardiovascular system, cartilage, skin and soft tissues. Understanding the function of the vitamin K-dependent protein Gla-rich protein (GRP) in Humans and its relevance in disease states. Discovery of novel biomarkers and biological innovative tools for application in diagnostics and therapeutics, such as the development of GRP-based bioassays for medical application in diagnostic and patient monitoring. Establishment of cell in-vitro and ex-vivo model systems suitable for functional studies and translation for human in vivo situation.