Tatiana P Morais

Alzheimer
Epilepsy
Memory
Seizures
Lipids
Neuronal Circuits

I am a postdoctoral researcher at ICVS, Braga, where I study lipid dysregulation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). My work focuses on how alterations in brain lipid metabolism contribute to AD pathogenesis and progression.
Previously, I held a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Malta (2022–2024), where I investigated serotonergic and cannabinoid signaling in absence seizures (ASs) and associated memory impairments. I obtained my PhD in 2022 from Cardiff University under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN (EU-GliaPhD), where I studied GABAergic system dysfunction in epilepsy. This work led to a patent for a novel therapeutic approach targeting ASs and cognitive comorbidities. During my BSc and MSc studies at the University of Lisbon, I explored the role of glycine receptors in astrocytes and mGlu5 signaling in AD-related excitotoxicity.
My expertise includes in vivo electrophysiology, EEG analysis, rodent behavioral testing, and viral vector delivery. I collaborated with pharmaceutical companies to support the preclinical development of GABAergic therapies for ASs, now in clinical trials.
I am also an invited lecturer and active science communicator. In 2023, I was nominated to attend the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, in recognition of my scientific contributions and outreach efforts. I am committed to advancing translational neuroscience through research, education, and public engagement.

Tatiana P Morais

Alzheimer
Epilepsy
Memory
Seizures
Lipids
Neuronal Circuits

Scientific Highlights

Novel Therapeutic Target for Absence Seizures (ASs) and Comorbidities
Identified astrocytic TrkB-T1 receptors as the first therapeutic target capable of simultaneously rescuing ASs and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities in both mouse and rat models. Co-inventor on the resulting patent application, offering a potential dual-acting therapy for seizure control and cognitive symptoms.

Role of HCN Channels in ASs
In collaboration with Lundbeck, co-first author on a study demonstrating that ivabradine, an HCN channel blocker, effectively abolishes ASs, supporting a pro-absence role for HCN channels (doi: 10.1111/epi.16926). Co-authored a topical review on the role of HCN channels in ASs (doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106107).

Cognitive Comorbidities in ASs
Demonstrated that anxiety does not account for cognitive impairments in AS models (doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106275). Also showed that behavioral variability in commercially sourced Wistar rats may confound preclinical findings (doi: 10.1111/cns.14443).

Development of GABA-A α3 Receptor Modulator
Collaborated with Saniona on the preclinical development of a novel α3-selective GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulator. The compound (SAN711) is currently in clinical trials (Saniona Pipeline).

Research Tools and Methodology
Developed novel siRNAs targeting TrkB-T1 and 5HT2A receptors. Designed a new protocol for measuring GABA uptake in astrocytes (doi: 10.1111/bph.17319).

Recognition and Leadership
Nominated to present at the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (Physiology and Medicine, 2023).
Board member of the Young Committees of the Portuguese Pharmacology Society and the Mediterranean Neuroscience Society.

Career Path

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Malta, Prof. Giuseppe Di Giovanni’s Lab

Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN Early Career Researcher, EU-GliaPhD, Cardiff University, Prof. Vincenzo Crunelli’s Lab