Sara Martins, PhD student in the Mitochondrial Bigenomics and Theranostics group at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC-UC), has been selected as one of 16 recipients of the FLAD R&D@USA grant, awarded by the Luso-American Development Foundation for research placements in the United States during the second semester of 2025.

The FLAD R&D@USA program supports Master’s and PhD students from Portuguese institutions in carrying out research internships at US universities and research centers, in innovative scientific and technological fields. Beyond research support, the program aims to strengthen institutional cooperation between Portugal and the USA, fostering the development of long-term academic and scientific partnerships.

Sara Martins will conduct her research project at the University of Southern California – Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Her project, titled “Mitochondria-Derived Peptides in intra- and inter-cellular communication: novel insights in LHON”, focuses on Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) – a rare mitochondrial disorder whose cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

As part of her PhD in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Sara is investigating mitochondrial genome-encoded microproteins and their potential differences in LHON patients. These small peptides, known as mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs), play key regulatory roles in cellular communication and overlap with dysfunctions observed in LHON. This research aims to shed light on disease mechanisms and potentially point to future therapeutic strategies for this orphan disease.

The award of this grant represents an important recognition of Sara Martins’ scientific merit and provides a unique opportunity to strengthen international collaboration between CNC-UC and leading research institutions in the field.