R&D
 GenoGla main area of interest lies within the area of Biomedical Research and Technology around vitamin K dependent proteins, specifically GRP.
Our team has a long experience in the area of research concerning VKD proteins, in particular osteocalcin and matrix gla protein, and more recently was involved in the discovery of a new VKD protein, Gla Rich Protein (GRP), a potential new biomarker for diseases associated with abnormal calcification of tissues that do not normally calcify namely: early cardiac disease, vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, tumor calcification, osteoarthritis, and skin calcinosis (e.g. Dermatomiositis, Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), Scleroderma).
Ongoing research in collaboration with CCMAR- Functional Biochemistry and Proteomics and other institutions
Studies for the establishment of GRP as a biomarker for vascular calcification (in collaboration with (i) Nephrology Department; (ii) Cardiovascular Department, Faro Hospital, Portugal (iii). |
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Studies to unveil the function of GRP associated with several skin calcification related pathologies (PXE, scleroderma, dermatomyositis) (in collaboration with Department of Dermatology, Lisbon Central Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal). |
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The application of proteomics to human articular cartilage: A new approach for the identification of osteoarthritis biomarkers (in collaboration with Faro Hospital, Orthopedics and Trauma department, Portugal) |
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Characterization of Gla-rich Protein (GRP) function in normal and pathological mineralization processes. |
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Biochemical characterization of circulating GRP. |
We are open and searching for other main research /collaboration partners that could give a positive and strong input to our research interests.
Patents
U. S. Patent 61/136.315 filled in 27 August 2008
PCT/PT2009000046, 27 August 2009, pending
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