Joana Paes de Faria | Dynamics in Oligodendrocytes | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Joana Paes de Faria | Dynamics in Oligodendrocytes | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher atĀ  Instituto de InvestigaĆ§Ć£o e InovaĆ§Ć£o em SaĆŗde, Portugal

Joana Paes de Faria, Ph.D., is a distinguished biochemist and molecular biologist with a focus on neural regeneration and myelination. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Lisbon in 2007. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at i3S/IBMC, Universidade do Porto, she collaborates on groundbreaking projects in CNS development and repair. Joana’s research explores the roles of Rho GTPases and OLIG genes in myelination and remyelination, contributing significantly to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Her work, recognized by numerous publications and fellowships, emphasizes axon-glia interactions and oligodendrocyte biology.

Professional Profiles:

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šŸŽ“ Education

2007 ā€“ Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Lisbon, Portugal1999 ā€“ Master in Biotechnology, De Montfort University, UK1998 ā€“ BSc in Microbiology, Catholic University of Porto, Portugal

šŸ’¼ ExperienceĀ 

2010-Present ā€“ Postdoctoral Researcher, i3S/IBMC, Universidade do Porto2009-10 ā€“ Honorary Research Fellow, UCL, UK2007-09 ā€“ Postdoctoral Fellow, UCL, UK2001-07 ā€“ Ph.D. Student, Instituto Gulbenkian de CiĆŖncia (IGC), Portugal1999 ā€“ Master Student, UMC, Utrecht, Netherlands1997-98 ā€“ Research Student, Universidade do Porto, Portugal

šŸ† Awards & HonorsĀ 

2015 ā€“ Postdoctoral Fellowship (FCT, Portugal)2014 ā€“ Postdoctoral Fellowship (QREN/IBMC, Portugal)2011 ā€“ Wellcome Trust Grant (UCL, UK)2009 ā€“ Guarantors of Brain Travel Grant (UCL, UK)2007 ā€“ Postdoctoral Fellowship (FCT, Portugal)2005 ā€“ Research Studentship (FCT, Portugal)2001 ā€“ Ph.D. Studentship (FCT, Portugal)2000 ā€“ IGC Research Studentship, Portugal

šŸ” Research FocusĀ 

Joana’s research centers on CNS myelination, axon-glia signaling, and neural repair mechanisms. Her work investigates the molecular pathways underlying oligodendrocyte differentiation and function, with an emphasis on Rho GTPases and Kif4a proteins. She explores cellular tension, cytoskeletal dynamics, and the regenerative capacities of the nervous system. Her recent publications highlight how Pinch2 and RhoA regulate myelination and nerve regeneration, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

āœļøPublications Top Note :

  • RhoA regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination
    Glia, 2025 | DOI: 10.1002/glia.24640

    • Co-authors: R. Valeā€Silva, J. P. de Faria, A. I. Seixas, C. Brakebusch, R. J. Franklin, J. B. Relvas
  • Unexpected Kif4a functions in adult regeneration
    Preprint, 2023 | DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.21.541636

    • Co-authors: P. D. Correia, B. M. de Sousa, J. Chato-Astrain, et al.
  • Pinch2 regulates CNS myelination
    Development, 2022 | DOI: 10.1242/dev.200597

    • Co-authors: J. P. de Faria, R. S. Vale-Silva, et al.
  • Pinch2 is a novel regulator of CNS myelination
    Preprint, 2022 | DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.04.483000
  • Proteome of remyelination vs. developmental myelination
    Preprint, 2021 | DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.24.436006
  • Protection against oxidative stress in yeast
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2006 | DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2006.09.003

Conclusion

Dr. Joana Paes de Faria is an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award based on her extensive contributions to oligodendrocyte biology, CNS myelination, and neural regeneration. Her strong publication record, international collaborations, and leadership in high-impact projects make her highly deserving of this recognition. Addressing the areas of project leadership and outreach will further enhance her standing in the field, potentially positioning her as a leading figure in neurobiology and cellular neuroscience.