Alexandra R. Fernandes

Prof. Alexandra R. Fernandes is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT) of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. She maintains an active research program focusing on cancer mechanisms and therapy, with particular emphasis on developing novel anti-cancer compounds and molecular diagnostics approaches. She is co-founder of two successful biotech startups: Nano4 Global, Lda (Nano4Global.com) focused on nanotechnology applications in cancer diagnostics, and HeartGenetics, SA (Heartgenetics.com) specializing in molecular diagnostics for cardiovascular conditions.

Her research spans multiple areas in biomedical science, with a strong focus on cancer biology and cardiology. Prof. Fernandes investigates molecular mechanisms of cancer development and progression, particularly in chronic myeloid leukemia and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Her work on RAB11A pathway in cancer-induced angiogenesis and KRAS gene mutations has provided valuable insights for molecular diagnostics. In cardiology, she focuses on molecular mechanisms of cardiomyopathies, with special emphasis on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) molecular profiling.

Prof. Fernandes' recent publications reveal a strong trend toward nanotechnology applications in cancer diagnostics and therapy. Her work frequently explores gold nanoparticles for molecular diagnostics, biosensing, and as delivery vehicles for therapeutic compounds. She has made significant contributions to the development of metal-based anticancer agents, particularly ruthenium, vanadium, and gold complexes. Her research bridges basic science with translational applications, as evidenced by her co-founding of two successful biotech startups.

She has established productive collaborations across multiple institutions and has contributed to numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Pharmaceutics, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and WIREs Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology. Her work on cancer diagnostics has led to innovative approaches using liquid biopsies and molecular profiling techniques.

Prof. Fernandes leads research activities focused on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the tumor microenvironment and overcome drug resistance mechanisms. Her laboratory investigates various approaches including photothermal therapy combined with chemotherapy, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, and the repurposing of metallic compounds for both anticancer and antibacterial applications.