João Afonso is a PhD candidate in Biomedicine and Health Sciences, specializing in mesenchymal stem cell-based strategies for spinal cord injury recovery. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry (2018) and a MSc in Health Sciences (2021) from University of Minho. His research has focused on central nervous system regeneration, exploring macrophage and stem cell biology; cell and secretome therapies, hydrogel applications; and the revascularization process. Currently under the supervision of António Salgado and Nuno Silva, João studies how mesenchymal stem cell-based strategies can enhance revascularization and recovery after spinal cord injury. As part of his PhD project, João spent a year at Vanderbilt University under Ethan Lippmann’s supervision, developing in vitro models to study CNS endothelial cells derived from iPSCs. Using immunofluorescence, cell culture and molecular biology techniques, João acquired experience in vascularization, neural regeneration and cell modulation assays. Viewing each day as an opportunity to learn, he aims to contribute to the advancement of the spinal cord injury field.
João Afonso is a PhD candidate in Biomedicine and Health Sciences, specializing in mesenchymal stem cell-based strategies for spinal cord injury recovery. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry (2018) and a MSc in Health Sciences (2021) from University of Minho. His research has focused on central nervous system regeneration, exploring macrophage and stem cell biology; cell and secretome therapies, hydrogel applications; and the revascularization process. Currently under the supervision of António Salgado and Nuno Silva, João studies how mesenchymal stem cell-based strategies can enhance revascularization and recovery after spinal cord injury. As part of his PhD project, João spent a year at Vanderbilt University under Ethan Lippmann’s supervision, developing in vitro models to study CNS endothelial cells derived from iPSCs. Using immunofluorescence, cell culture and molecular biology techniques, João acquired experience in vascularization, neural regeneration and cell modulation assays. Viewing each day as an opportunity to learn, he aims to contribute to the advancement of the spinal cord injury field.
Silva D, Schirmer L, Pinho TS, Atallah P, Cibrão JR, Lima R, Afonso JL, B-Antunes S, Marques CR, Dourado J, Freudenberg U, Sousa RA, Werner C, Salgado AJ. Sustained Release of Human Adipose Tissue Stem Cell Secretome from Star-Shaped Poly(ethylene glycol) Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels Promotes Motor Improvements after Complete Transection in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model. Adv Healthc Mater. 2023
Rocha LA, Gomes ED, Afonso JL, Granja S, Baltazar F, Silva NA, Shoichet MS, Sousa RA, Learmonth DA, Salgado AJ. In vitro Evaluation of ASCs and HUVECs Co-cultures in 3D Biodegradable Hydrogels on Neurite Outgrowth and Vascular Organization. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society Conference – European Chapter (2022) – Krakow, Poland. Oral presentation
2021: FCT PhD fellowship at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine – University of Minho
Excellence (2017;2018) and Merit (2018;2021) scholarships for best academic results at degree and school level, respectively.
We have previously validated the use of the secretome of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from different sources, including those derived from pluripotent stem cells (iMSCs), as a possible therapeutic tool in animal…
