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Advanced Biomedical Glycoscience Research Training Program

NOVA School of Science and Technology

The program offers intensive research training lasting 6-12 weeks, focusing on cancer-related altered glycosylation, congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), immune modulation induced by glycans, and therapeutic target identification. Participants will develop skills in advanced cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, cell and tissue phenotyping, glycan analysis, bioinformatic analysis of gene expression data, and antibody development/drug testing. Through hands-on experience and experimentation, participants will delve into various research areas, gaining expertise in techniques essential for cutting-edge biomedical research.

Main Areas of Interest

Cancer-related altered glycosylation: To identify tumour-associated short sialylated O-glycans and explore at molecular and cellular level its role in terms of cell proliferation, signaling, and immune evasion.
Molecular mechanism of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation: To identify altered biological pathways in CDG, such as PMM2-CDG and GNE myopathy, that can be targeted, that affect response to inflammatory insults and elucidate poor response to infection.
Molecular basis of immune modulation induced by glycans: Delve into the mechanism underlying sialic acid immune modulation and in particular those expressed by immune cells in the context of cancer or CDG.
Identification of therapeutic targets and development of therapies: Engage in the development and testing in vitro and in vivo anti-glycan antibodies in the context of cancer, and prodrugs that modulate glycan biosynthesis in teh context of CDG

Techniques You Will Learn

Advanced Cell Culture Techniques: Gain hands-on experience in 2D cell culture using various cell types, including human and murine tumor cell lines (breast, colon, pancreatic, etc ) models expressing tumour-associated glycans. It includes isolating and culturing leukocytes and patient-derived cells (fibroblasts, leukocytes) as well as tailored cell co-culture models.
Molecular and Cellular Biology: Master techniques such as evaluation of cell viability, proliferation and type of death (necrosis, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis). It includes evaluation of analysing cell secretome (cytokines, growth factors) by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Cell and tissue phenotyping: Gain expertise in cell phenotyping experiments by applying flow cytometry, fluorescence or confocal microscope techniques and analysing data. It includes access to immunohistochemistry data and acquiring expertise in data interpretation in a clinical - oriented procedure.
Glycan analysis: Develop skills in identifying glycans using lectins or antibodies in cells or proteins through immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry.
Bioinformatic Analysis of gene expression data: Learn how to interpret and integrate gene expression and glycan biosynthesis by RNAseq and bioinformatic tools and validation by quantitative PCR.
Antibody development and drug testing: Learn how to develop and test antibodies against glycans and test drugs targeting glycan biosynthesis by using different cell and molecular assay, in a pre-clinical setting.

Curriculum

6-12 Weeks Intensive Training:

Induction and Orientation: Receive a comprehensive induction covering safety, laboratory practices, and personal welfare. Obtain university ID and desk space.
Curriculum Customization: Engage in initial discussions to tailor the training objectives and experimental plans to your interests and goals.
Hands-On Training and Supervision: Receive direct training and supervision in conducting experiments, with opportunities for independent practice.
Regular Progress Meetings: Participate in weekly or bi-weekly meetings to assess progress and plan future experiments.
Research Integration and Record Keeping: Keep detailed work records and integrate findings into broader research objectives.

Academic and Professional Development:

Research Group Involvement: Join research group meetings and engage in academic activities within the School and University.
Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops on research career development topics such as manuscript writing, grant writing, and networking.
Presentation Opportunities: Present your research findings in group meetings and prepare for potential publication or conference dissemination.

Career Planning: Discuss future opportunities and strategies for integrating new skills into your professional practice.

Accommodation

Accommodation Options:

Portal with several offers close to NOVA FCT

https://fctunl.portalalojamentouniversitario.pt/

https://www.fct.unl.pt/faculdade/como-chegar-fct

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$875.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

All are eligible

Host Details

Host Name: Dr.Paula Videira

Affiliation: NOVA School of Science and Technology

Address: Largo da Torre, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

Website URL: https://www.fct.unl.pt/faculdade/como-chegar-fct

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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