CNC

Visão Geral

Rui completed his PhD in Cell Biology in 2011 at the University of Coimbra (UC, Portugal) with the highest honours, conducting research at both the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology – University of Coimbra (CNC-UC) and Northwestern University (USA). His work on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) utilized in vitro and in vivo models, resulting in nine peer-reviewed papers (five as first author) and one book chapter. Key findings included elucidating the role of ER-mitochondria crosstalk in AD (JAD, 2010; Neurobiol Aging, 2012; MCN, 2013) and demonstrating that lymphocytes from AD patients reflect early brain changes (BBA, 2015). Additionally, his research established that Aβ oligomers induce ER stress via the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors (Aging Cell, 2012), expanding his interest in synaptic mechanisms.
During his postdoctoral studies at UC and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rui deepened his expertise in synaptogenesis and neuronal development, employing advanced techniques such as co-culture models in microfluidic chambers and in uteroelectroporation, which he later implemented at the CNC-UC. In this period, Rui secured both individual funding (FCT fellowship SFRH/BPD/84593/2012) and research funding as Principal Investigator (FCT grant EXPL/NEU-NMC/0541/2012). This support enabled the discovery of a novel regulatory mechanism controlling ribosome levels in axons during synapse formation (Cell Rep., 2019; first and co-corresponding author) — a study that received recognition in leading neuroscience journals and national media. In the same period, Rui contributed to a study on the role of the RNA binding protein hnRNP K in synaptic plasticity (ENEURO, 2017), which aligns with his current research interests. Additionally, he authored six additional peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter on neuronal development, synaptic dysfunction, and cell culture techniques, including two as first author (Front Mol Neurosci., 2016; BIO-PROTOCOL, 2017; Sci Rep., 2017; Mol Neurobiol., 2017; Neuromethods, 2018; Front Cell Neurosci., 2019; J Vis Exp., 2020).
In 2019, Rui secured a six-year Junior Researcher position (DL 57/2016/CP1448/CT0009) and initiated two independent research lines within the Neurotrophic Signaling group at the CNC-UC, within Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB):
1) The role of hnRNPs in neurodevelopmental diseases (NDDs) and epileptogenesis.
2) Intra-axonal autophagy in AD pathogenesis.
Since then, Rui has supervised nine MSc theses and mentored 16 students at various academic levels from different countries (Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France). Currently, he leads a team comprising one PhD student (FCT fellowship) and three MSc students, while collaborating with researchers at Northwestern University (USA), Columbia University (USA), IIT (Italy), Università Gabriele d'Annunzio Chieti (Italy), Università degli Studi del Sannio (Italy), Valencia University (Spain) and various Portuguese laboratories. This reflects his ability as both an independent researcher and a mentor to early-career scientists.
His work has been featured at numerous national and international conferences. In particular, his research on the RNA-binding protein hnRNP H2 has been recognized at both clinical and scientific meetings, earning awards in 2022 and 2024—underscoring its strong translational potential. Beyond these accolades, Rui has recently secured further research funding as a PI (FCT call IC&DT/2023, project no. 15671 - COMPETE2030-FEDER-00676600) and as team member (PTDC/BIA-CEL/2286/2020), while also collaborating on multiple other research initiatives.
Recently, Rui published a study on RNA metabolism in neuronal development (WIREs RNA, 2022) as first author, and contributed to a study that investigates the role of proteasome activity in neuronal ischemia (Apoptosis, 2025). Research from the past six years is now progressing toward publication, with three preprinted papers under revision, and four in submission phase as last author (2), as first author (1), as other (1).
With 20 years of experience in neurobiology (>21 publications in top-tier journals, nine as first or co-corresponding author; >1,570 citations, h-index of 18; and contributed to 10 publications in scientific meeting supplements or conference proceedings, Rui’s research spans the multidisciplinary fields of synapse biology, neuronal development, and aging. His expertise includes cell culture techniques, fluorescent imaging, molecular biology, viral-mediated transgene delivery, and surgical procedures, all reinforced by extensive international experience that has enhanced his adaptability, autonomy, and professional network within the neuroscience community.
His teaching experience encompasses lecturing in BSc, MSc, and PhD programs at UC and other institutions, delivering invited talks, serving as the main examiner in MSc theses, organizing seminars, and contributing to science outreach. Additionally, Rui serves as a guest editor for Front. Mol. Neurosci. and as an ad-hoc reviewer for several neuroscience journals, contributing to the scientific community.

Afiliação

CNC-UC; CIBB

Publicações

Informação sobre artigos em revista, actualizada a 10-08-2025, a partir da plataforma CIÊNCIAVITAE.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor -induced regulation of RNA metabolism in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity

Rui O. Costa; Luís F. Martins; Emanuel Tahiri; Carlos B. Duarte, WIREs RNA. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1713 . 10.1002/wrna.1713 . WIREs RNA

Isolation and Culture of Chick Ciliary Ganglion Neurons

Costa, Filipa J.; Dias, Marta S.; Costa, Rui O.; Pedro, Joana R.; Almeida, Ramiro D., Journal of Visualized Experiments. 162. 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.3791/61431 . 10.3791/61431 . Journal of Visualized Experiments

Alterations in GABAA-Receptor Trafficking and Synaptic Dysfunction in Brain Disorders

Mele, Miranda; Costa, Rui O.; Duarte, Carlos B., Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 13. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2019.00077 . 10.3389/fncel.2019.00077 . Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

Synaptogenesis Stimulates a Proteasome-Mediated Ribosome Reduction in Axons

Costa, Rui O.; Martins, Helena; Martins, Luís F.; Cwetsch, Andrzej W.; Mele, Miranda; Pedro, Joana R.; Tomé, Diogo; et al, Cell Reports. 864 - 876.e6. 4. 28. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.080 . 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.080 . Cell Reports

PROneurotrophins and CONSequences

Costa, R.O.; Perestrelo, T.; Almeida, R.D., Molecular Neurobiology. 1 - 18. 2017. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85018273843&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1007/s12035-017-0505-7 . Molecular Neurobiology

The RNA-Binding Protein hnRNP K Mediates the Effect of BDNF on Dendritic mRNA Metabolism and Regulates Synaptic NMDA Receptors in Hippocampal Neurons

Graciano Leal; Diogo Comprido; Pasqualino de Luca; Eduardo Morais; Luís Rodrigues; Miranda Mele; Ana R. Santos; et al, eneuro. ENEURO.0268 - 17.2017. 6. 4. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0268-17.2017 . 10.1523/ENEURO.0268-17.2017 . eneuro

Mesenchymal stem cells secretome-induced axonal outgrowth is mediated by BDNF

Martins, L.F.; Costa, R.O.; Pedro, J.R.; Aguiar, P.; Serra, S.C.; Teixeira, F.G.; Sousa, N.; Salgado, A.J.; Almeida, R.D., Scientific Reports. 1. 7. 2017. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85021292472&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1038/s41598-017-03592-1 . Scientific Reports

Preparation of Primary Cultures of Embryonic Rat Hippocampal and Cerebrocortical Neurons

Salazar, Ivan; Mele, Miranda; Caldeira, Margarida; Costa, Rui; Correia, Bárbara; Frisari, Simone; Duarte, Carlos; Costa RO, BIO-PROTOCOL. 18. 7. 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.21769/bioprotoc.2551 . 10.21769/bioprotoc.2551 . BIO-PROTOCOL

Visualizing K48 ubiquitination during presynaptic formation by ubiquitination-induced fluorescence complementation (UiFC)

Pinto, M.J.; Pedro, J.R.; Costa, R.O.; Almeida, R.D., Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. JUNE. 9. 2016. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84978476683&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00043 . Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience

Oxidative stress involving changes in Nrf2 and ER stress in early stages of Alzheimer's disease

Costa, R.O.; Mota, S.I.; Ferreira, I.L.; Santana, I.; Caldeira, G.L.; Padovano, C.; Fonseca, A.C.; et al, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease. 1428 - 1441. 7. 1852. 2015. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84928128412&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.03.015 . Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease

Inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase potentiates Aß-induced ER stress and cell death in cortical neurons

Costa, R.O.; Ferreiro, E.; Oliveira, C.R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. 1 - 8. 52. 2013. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84870349573&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.09.005 . Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Leptin and ghrelin prevent hippocampal dysfunction induced by Aß oligomers

Martins, I.; Gomes, S.; Costa, R.O.; Otvos, L.; Oliveira, C.R.; Resende, R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Neuroscience. 41 - 51. 241. 2013. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876430099&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.02.062 . Neuroscience

Mitochondrial- and endoplasmic reticulum-associated oxidative stress in alzheimers disease: From pathogenesis to biomarkers

Ferreiro, E.; Baldeiras, I.; Ferreira, I.L.; Costa, R.O.; Rego, A.C.; Pereira, C.F.; Oliveira, C.R., International Journal of Cell Biology. 2012. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84863688106&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1155/2012/735206 . International Journal of Cell Biology

Endoplasmic reticulum stress occurs downstream of GluN2B subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor in mature hippocampal cultures treated with amyloid-ß oligomers

Costa, R.O.; Lacor, P.N.; Ferreira, I.L.; Resende, R.; Auberson, Y.P.; Klein, W.L.; Oliveira, C.R.; Rego, A.C.; Pereira, C.M.F., Aging Cell. 823 - 833. 5. 11. 2012. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84866452758&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2012.00848.x . Aging Cell

Amyloid ß-induced ER stress is enhanced under mitochondrial dysfunction conditions

Costa, R.O.; Ferreiro, E.; Martins, I.; Santana, I.; Cardoso, S.M.; Oliveira, C.R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Neurobiology of Aging. 4. 33. 2012. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84856951448&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.04.011 . Neurobiology of Aging

ER stress-mediated apoptotic pathway induced by aß peptide requires the presence of functional mitochondria

Costa, R.O.; Ferreiro, E.; Cardoso, S.M.; Oliveira, C.R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 625 - 636. 2. 20. 2010. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77954516455&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.3233/JAD-2010-091369 . Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

Involvement of mitochondria in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic cell death pathway triggered by the prion peptide PrP 106-126

Ferreiro, E.; Costa, R.; Marques, S.; Cardoso, S.M.; Oliveira, C.R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Journal of Neurochemistry. 766 - 776. 3. 104. 2008. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-38049162500&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05048.x . Journal of Neurochemistry

An endoplasmic-reticulum-specific apoptotic pathway is involved in prion and amyloid-beta peptides neurotoxicity

Ferreiro, E.; Resende, R.; Costa, R.; Oliveira, C.R.; Pereira, C.M.F., Neurobiology of Disease. 669 - 678. 3. 23. 2006. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33747195017&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.05.011 . Neurobiology of Disease

5 18 de 18 Publicações

Todos os projectos

Informação da exclusiva responsabilidade do investigador 10-08-2025 , a partir da plataforma CIÊNCIAVITAE.

2022 - 2023

The RNA-binding protein hnRNPH2: a novel player in epileptogenesis

n.a

Principal investigator

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31

Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology - Associate Laboratory

LA/P/0058/2020

Universidade de Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31

Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology - Associate Laboratory

LA/P/0058/2020

Universidade de Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2021/07/01 -

Uncovering the molecular machinery responsible for cargo sorting in neuronal polarization

PTDC/BIA-CEL/2286/2020

Researcher

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2019 -

Strategic Plan CNC.IBILI

UID/ NEU/04539/2019

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2019/01/01 - 2019/12/31

CNC. IBILI

UID/NEU/04539/2019

Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular; Universidade de Coimbra; Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde; Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Investigação Clínica e Biomédica de Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2019/02/05 -

BaiTS - Biodegradable dendrimers for Targeted neuroprotective therapies in Stroke.

PTDC/CTM-NAN/3547/2014.

Researcher

2015 - 2018

Funding of RD Units Strategic Plan - 2013/2015 - OE

UID/NEU/04539/2013

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2013 - 2014

Concurso para Financiamento de Projectos de IC&DT Estratégicos e de Interesse Público promovidos por Laboratórios Associados e Unidades de I&D - 2013 - COMPETE

PEst-C/SAU/LA0001/2013

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2013/07 - 2014/12

Mechanism underlying ribosomal regulation in axonal development

grant.Provided by PTCRIS: 126236

Principal investigator

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2013/01/01 - 2019/02

Pos-Doc project: Mechanisms underlying ribosomal regulation in axonal development

SFRH/BPD/84593/2012

Post-doc Fellow

CNC.IBILI

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2011/01/01 - 2012/12/31

Strategic Project - LA 1 - 2011-2012

PEst-C/SAU/LA0001/2011

Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2011/01/01 - 2011/09/30

The role of mRNA translation in the formation of the neuromuscular junction.

PTDC/SAU-NEU/104100/2008

Research Technician Fellow

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2010/06/01 - 2013/06/30

Perfis dinâmicos do óxido nítrico no cérebro: regulação da respiração celular com implicações para a doença de Alzheimer e para o envelhecimento

PTDC/SAU-NEU/103538/2008

Universidade de Coimbra; Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2010/06 - 2013/06

In vivo dynamics of nitric oxide in the brain: regulation of cellular respiration and implications for Alzheimer´s disease and aging

grant.Provided by PTCRIS: 103538

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2008 - 2010

Contribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits to neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

PTDC/SAU-NEU/71675/2006

Researcher

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2008 - 2010

Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: evaluation of recent classification criteria and proposal of new diagnostic tools

PIC/IC/83206/2007

Researcher

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2006 - 2010

PhD project: Endoplasmic reticulum stress during amyloid ß peptide-induced cell death: role of mitochondria and glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors

SFRH/BD/28403/2006

PhD Student Fellow

CNC.IBILI

Financiadores: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

2005 - 2006

Cross-talk between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in Alzheimer’s disease. Studies with cybrids

n/a

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: L’Oréal Portugal/UNESCO/FCT

2005 - 2006

Cross-talk between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in Alzheimer’s disease. Studies with cybrids

n/a

Researcher

Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra

Financiadores: L’Oréal Portugal/UNESCO/FCT

5 20 de 20 projetos

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Rui O. Costa

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Visão Geral

Afiliação

Publicações

Todos os projectos