Research Lines

NIMSB RESEARCH LINES

Medical Systems Biology approaches

NIMSB aims to pioneer excellent interdisciplinary research to detect the earliest cellular changes that cause the onset of disease. Such unprecedented, sensitive and precise detection is made possible by the emergence and integration of new breakthrough technologies.

Timely detection and successful treatment of disease depend crucially on understanding and defining when, why, and how cells deviate from healthy states in specific patient groups, based on their genetic background and environmental history. Health research in diverse human populations is key for more inclusive and precise treatments within Europe and worldwide. Discovering the earliest causative pathological cellular changes will be translated through proactive innovation programs into novel diagnostics with increased accuracy for disease detection even before symptoms arise, creating unforeseen therapeutic opportunities to intercept disease and cure patients, before irreparable damage to tissues and organs.

NIMSB have identified three major challenges where breakthrough medical systems biology approaches have the greatest potential to benefit patients:


 

At the forefront of biomedical innovation, our research line on Early Disease Detection is dedicated to understanding the earliest molecular and cellular changes that mark the transition from health to disease. By deciphering these initial alterations, we aim to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in medical diagnostics and preventive care.

Our primary objective is to delve deep into the biological processes that cause a cell to deviate from its healthy state, ultimately leading to disease onset. By identifying novel biomarkers through the study of molecular heterogeneity within patient cells, we strive to develop early detection tools that can intervene before symptoms appear, offering a critical window of opportunity for treatment.

To achieve these goals, we leverage cutting-edge technology platforms, including single-cell and spatial technologies, laser micro-dissection, high-throughput DNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry. These tools enable us to gather comprehensive data sets from patient samples, capturing the intricate molecular landscape that precedes disease.
Our research does not stop at data collection. We employ advanced statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to interpret this vast array of information. By correlating molecular changes with tissue and organ abnormalities, we can trace the path of disease progression, ultimately leading to the discovery of precise biomarkers for early detection.

Our mission is to revolutionize healthcare by detecting diseases at their inception, where intervention can be most effective, and lives can be transformed.


 

In the quest to revolutionize how we understand and treat diseases, our research line on Creation of Novel Disease Models is pushing the boundaries of biomedical science. By developing innovative in vitro models that closely replicate human physiology, we aim to create powerful tools for uncovering the mechanisms of disease and accelerating the discovery of new therapies.

Our goal is to establish physiologically relevant disease models using human cells and tissues derived from patients. These models serve as invaluable platforms for studying the intricate processes of disease progression in a controlled environment, providing insights that are directly translatable to patient care.

To achieve these objectives, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge protocols for generating organoid cultures or organ-on-chip systems. These microphysiological systems, derived from both healthy and diseased cells, are designed to mimic the complex processes of cell differentiation, tissue composition, and organ physiology found in vivo. By replicating the progression of disease within these models, we can closely study the biological changes that occur, enabling the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Our approach is deeply integrated with the advanced technologies used in our early disease detection projects, ensuring a comprehensive characterization of the models we create. We employ a range of techniques, including single-cell and spatial technologies, high-throughput DNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry, to analyze these models in detail.

Finally, we intent to assess the predictive power of our models by comparing their therapeutic responses to those observed in actual patients. This evaluation is crucial for validating the models as reliable tools for drug testing and personalized medicine.

We want to lead the charge in creating next-generation disease models that are set to transform therapeutic discovery and pave the way for more effective treatments tailored to individual patients.


 

In our relentless pursuit of breakthroughs in healthcare, the Novel Therapeutic Strategies research line is dedicated to discovering and validating cutting-edge treatments that hold the promise of transforming patient outcomes. By identifying new drug targets and developing innovative therapies, we aim to lead the way in precision medicine, offering hope to those facing the most challenging diseases.

Our primary objective is to identify novel drug targets and develop therapeutic approaches that can effectively intervene in disease processes. By pinpointing the genes, proteins, and pathways that are altered in diseased states, we open new avenues for targeted treatments that could revolutionize how we combat illness.

To achieve these ambitious goals, we harness the power of multi-omics technologies and advanced data science tools. By analyzing patient samples and organoid disease models, we can uncover the molecular and cellular changes that drive disease, revealing potential drug targets with unprecedented precision.

Our approach is deeply rooted in the use of advanced patient-derived in vitro disease models. These models serve as testbeds for evaluating the efficacy of drugs and molecular interventions aimed at the identified targets. By observing how these interventions influence the course of disease within these models, we can rapidly advance the development of promising therapies.

We go further by meticulously characterizing the responses of these disease models before and after treatment. This comprehensive profiling provides critical insights into the molecular and cellular shifts that occur, guiding the refinement of therapeutic strategies and the creation of predictive tools that can inform clinical decision-making.

We want shaping the future of medicine by developing novel therapeutic strategies that are as precise as they are powerful, bringing us closer to a world where every patient receives the treatment they need, exactly when they need it.

NIMSB @ iNOVA4Health

In January 2025, NIMSB Research is set to join to iNOVA4Health Research Unit rated as Excellent by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

iNOVA4Health is a translational medicine programme organizing the efforts of biomedical researchers involved in:

  • biological understanding of disease, lead compounds and biopharmaceuticals
    pre-discovery;
  • technological scientists involved in preclinical development;
  • clinicians involved in early clinical and first-in-man clinical trials from institutions within NOVA University Lisbon.

The programme has a strong emphasis on developing therapies to promote healthy ageing and targeting chronic diseases that are responsible for two thirds of deaths worldwide and a major burden on healthcare systems.

iNOVA4Health comprises four partners which, from 2025, will be extended to five with the integration of NIMSB within the consortium:

  • The Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET) is a private, non-profit entity created in 1989 and is specialized in biology research and drug discovery/ bioprocess development. As a Biotechnology Research Organization, iBET acts as an interface between academic and private institutions while also creating and organizing autonomous knowledge and expertise;
  • The Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA) is an academic research centre of NOVA University Lisbon. Its mission is to carry out scientific research and postgraduate teaching in chemistry, life sciences, and associated technologies, while also serving the community and promoting science and technology;
  • The NOVA Medical School (NMS) was created in 1977 and is the medical school of NOVA University Lisbon. NMS has a significant number of groups of excellence in biomedicine, translational research, clinical research, and epidemiology and services woking under a collaborative spirit devoted to understanding a variety of chronic pathologies, from diabetes to rare auto-immune diseases.
  • The Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG) created in 1923, is a multidisciplinary cancer center for research, education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

Find out more about what iNOVA4Health has to offer, watching the institutional vídeo.