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Cindy Mendes has developed significant expertise in cancer metabolism through her work in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment group at the Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa (IPOLFG). Her PhD research, titled “MCT1: A Peon in Metabolic Adaptation and a Crucial Target in Lung Cancer,” has focused on understanding how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism, specifically in glucose, lactate, and redox metabolism, to adapt and survive. This work has highlighted MCT1 as a critical player in metabolic flexibility and a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC. During her MSc in the same group, she explored the role of FATP1 in fatty acid metabolism in breast cancer, broadening her knowledge of how different metabolic pathways contribute to cancer progression. In addition to her PhD project, Cindy has contributed to several other research projects, expanding her understanding of metabolic reprogramming in various cancer types. She has also helped supervise several MSc students, guiding them in their research and contributing to their development as emerging scientists. Furthermore, she has taught practical classes for research master’s students, enhancing their learning and hands-on experience in the field. Her research has resulted in multiple publications (11 papers and 1 book chapter), reflecting her contributions to advancing the understanding of cancer metabolism.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Cindy Mendes

Citation names

  • Mendes, Cindy

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
4B19-C4C2-FF83
ORCID iD
0000-0002-8808-5082

Email addresses

  • camendes@ipolisboa.min-saude.pt (Professional)
  • cindy.mendes@nms.unl.pt (Professional)
  • camendes@ipolisboa.min-saude.pt (Professional)

Addresses

  • iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Martires da Patria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal (Professional)
  • Instituto Portugues de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto , 1099-023, Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal (Professional)

Knowledge fields

  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Molecular Biology
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Cell Biology
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Clinical Medicine - Oncology

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
French (Mother tongue)
English Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
Spanish; Castilian Beginner (A1) Intermediate (B1) Beginner (A1) Beginner (A1)
Education
Degree Classification
2019 - 2024/07/17
Concluded
 Ciências da Saúde (Doutoramento)
Major in Biomedicina
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Portugal
"MCT1 a peon in metabolic adaptation and a crucial target in lung cancer " (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Aprovado com distinção, por unanimidade
2019/11/01 - 2020/02/18
Concluded
 Curso Teórico e Prático de Experimentação Animal SPCAL (Pós-Graduação)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Portugal

Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciências em Animais de Laboratório, Portugal
18
2017/09/11 - 2018/11/23
Concluded
 Biologia Molecular e Genética (Mestrado)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
"Disclosing FATP1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 17
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2025/01/13 - Current Researcher (Research) Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
2020/09/01 - Current Researcher (Research) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Portugal
2020/01/09 - Current Researcher (Research) Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Portugal
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
2019/01/09 - 2020/01/08 Researcher (Research) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, Portugal
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, Portugal

Others

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2017/09/01 - 2018/09/30 Estágio de Mestrado Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Portugal
2016/05/01 - 2016/05/31 Estágio Voluntário CNC.IBILI, Portugal
Projects

Contract

Designation Funders
2019/01/01 - 2019/12/31 iNOVA4Health - Programa de Medicina Translacional iBET, CEDOC/FCM, IPOLFG e ITQB
UID/Multi/04462/2019
Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. Hipólito, Ana; Mendes, Cindy; Serpa, Jacinta. "The Metabolic Remodelling in Lung Cancer and Its Putative Consequence in Therapy Response". In Tumor Microenvironment The Main Driver of Metabolic Adaptation, 311-333. Springer, Cham, 2020.
    Published • 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_16
Conference abstract
  1. Mendes, Cindy; Lemos, Isabel; Granja, Sara; Baltazar, Fátima; Gonçalves, Luís; Bonifácio, Vasco D.; Serpa, Jacinta. "Abstract 1779 EGF-promoted metabolic and gene expression remodeling opens metabolism-based therapeutic opportunities in NSCLC". 2024.
    10.1016/j.jbc.2024.106462
Conference poster
  1. Mendes, Cindy; Lemos, Isabel; Granja, Sara; Francisco, Inês; Almodôvar, Teresa; Cunha, Fernando; Albuquerque, Cristina; et al. "EGF-promoted metabolic and gene expression remodeling opens metabolism-based therapeutic opportunities in NSCLC". Paper presented in ISCaM2023 - 10th Annual Meeting, 2023.
  2. Mendes, Cindy; Silva, Fernanda; André, Saudade; Serpa, Jacinta. "Endoplasmic reticulum FATP1 expression and lipid droplets accumulation as putative prognosis markers in breast cancer". Paper presented in CANCER BIOLOGY: FROM BASIC TO TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH, 2020.
Journal article
  1. Mendes, Cindy; Lemos, Isabel; Hipólito, Ana; Abreu, Bruna; Freitas-Dias, Catarina; Martins, Filipa; Pires, Rita; et al. "Metabolic profiling and combined therapeutic strategies unveil the cytotoxic potential of selenium-chrysin (SeChry) in NSCLC cells". Bioscience Reports (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/bsr20240752.
    10.1042/bsr20240752
  2. Hipólito, Ana; Mendes, Cindy; Martins, Filipa; Lemos, Isabel; Francisco, Inês; Cunha, Fernando; Almodôvar, Teresa; et al. "H2S-Synthesizing Enzymes Are Putative Determinants in Lung Cancer Management toward Personalized Medicine". Antioxidants 13 1 (2023): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antiox13010051.
    Published • 10.3390/antiox13010051
  3. Mendes, Cindy; Lemos, Isabel; Francisco, Inês; Almodôvar, Teresa; Cunha, Fernando; Albuquerque, Cristina; Gonçalves, Luís G.; Serpa, Jacinta. "NSCLC presents metabolic heterogeneity, and there is still some leeway for EGF stimuli in EGFR-mutated NSCLC". Lung Cancer 182 (2023): 107283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107283.
    Published • 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107283
  4. Nunes, Sofia C.; Ramos, Cristiano; Santos, Inês; Mendes, Cindy; Silva, Fernanda; Vicente, João B.; Pereira, Sofia A.; et al. "Cysteine Boosts Fitness Under Hypoxia-Mimicked Conditions in Ovarian Cancer by Metabolic Reprogramming". Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.722412.
    Published • 10.3389/fcell.2021.722412
  5. Hipólito, Ana; Martins, Filipa; Mendes, Cindy; Lopes-Coelho, Filipa; Serpa, Jacinta. "Molecular and Metabolic Reprogramming: Pulling the Strings Toward Tumor Metastasis". Frontiers in Oncology 11 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.656851.
    Published • 10.3389/fonc.2021.656851
  6. Lopes-Coelho, Filipa; Martins, Filipa; Hipólito, Ana; Mendes, Cindy; Sequeira, Catarina O.; Pires, Rita F.; Almeida, António M.; et al. "The Activation of Endothelial Cells Relies on a Ferroptosis-Like Mechanism: Novel Perspectives in Management of Angiogenesis and Cancer Therapy". Frontiers in Oncology 11 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.656229.
    Published • 10.3389/fonc.2021.656229
  7. Mendes, Cindy; Serpa, Jacinta. "Revisiting lactate dynamics in cancer—a metabolic expertise or an alternative attempt to survive?". Journal of Molecular Medicine 98 10 (2020): 1397-1414. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00109-020-01965-0.
    Published • 10.1007/s00109-020-01965-0
  8. Cruz, Adriana; Mota, Pedro; Ramos, Cristiano; Pires, Rita F.; Mendes, Cindy; Silva, José P.; Nunes, Sofia C.; Bonifácio, Vasco D. B.; Serpa, Jacinta. "Polyurea Dendrimer Folate-Targeted Nanodelivery of l-Buthionine Sulfoximine as a Tool to Tackle Ovarian Cancer Chemoresistance". Antioxidants 9 2 (2020): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antiox9020133.
    Published • 10.3390/antiox9020133
  9. Mendes, Cindy; Serpa, Jacinta. "Metabolic Remodelling: An Accomplice for New Therapeutic Strategies to Fight Lung Cancer". Antioxidants 8 12 (2019): 603. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antiox8120603.
    Published • 10.3390/antiox8120603
  10. Santos, Inês; Ramos, Cristiano; Mendes, Cindy; Sequeira, Catarina O.; Tomé, Catarina S.; Fernandes, Dalila G.H.; Mota, Pedro; et al. "Targeting Glutathione and Cystathionine ß-Synthase in Ovarian Cancer Treatment by Selenium–Chrysin Polyurea Dendrimer Nanoformulation". Nutrients 11 10 (2019): 2523. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu11102523.
    Published • 10.3390/nu11102523
  11. Mendes, Cindy; Lopes-Coelho, Filipa; Ramos, Cristiano; Martins, Filipa; Santos, Inês; Rodrigues, Armanda; Silva, Fernanda; André, Saudade; Serpa, Jacinta. "Unraveling FATP1, regulated by ER-ß, as a targeted breast cancer innovative therapy". Scientific Reports 9 1 (2019): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50531-3.
    Published • 10.1038/s41598-019-50531-3
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. "MCT1 a peon in metabolic adaptation and a crucial target in lung cancer". PhD, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, 2024. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/169759.

Other

Dataset
  1. Serpa, Jacinta; Goncalves, Luis Gafeira; Mendes, Cindy. ST003287- Metabolic profiling and synergistic therapeutic strategies unveil the cytotoxic potential of selenium-chrysin (SeChry) in NSCLC cells. NIH Common Fund's National Metabolomics Data Repository (NMDR).. 2024.
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2024/07/04 MCT1 a peon in metabolic adaptation and a crucial target in lung cancer Seminários UIPM
Instituto Português Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG)
2024/03/25 EGF-promoted metabolic and gene expression remodeling opens metabolism-based therapeutic opportunities in NSCLC DiscoverBMB 2024
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (San Antonio, United States)
2023/10/19 EGF-promoted metabolic and gene expression remodeling opens metabolism-based therapeutic opportunities in NSCLC NMS Research Week
Nova Medical School (NMS)
2023/05/23 The role of EGFR in the metabolic adaptation in NSCLC – new therapeutic opportunities Casual Friday
Nova Medical School
2023/02/16 The role of EGFR in the metabolic adaptation in NSCLC – new therapeutic opportunities Seminários UIPM
Instituto Português Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG)
2021/11/05 There is still a leeway for EGF stimuli in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, accounting for malignancy - An in vitro approach exploring glucose-lactate loop Casual Friday
Nova Medical School (NMS)
2021/10/15 FATP1, a pivotal player in breast cancer Metabolic Fitness Seminários UIPM
Instituto Português Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG)
2021/01/15 FATP1 a pivotal player in breast cancer Metabolic Fitness Casual Friday
Nova Medical School (NMS)
2019/02/27 Unraveling FATP1, regulated by ER-b, as a targeted breast cancer innovative therapy Seminários UIPM
Instituto Português Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG)
2018/04/18 Disclosing FATP1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer Apresentações FAI
Instituto Português Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG)
2017/04/18 Disclosing FATP1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer Encontros de Investigação - Apresentação de projectos financiados pelo fundo de investigação do IPOLFG
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (Lisboa, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role 		Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2024/11/01 - 2025/12 Exploring lipid and cysteine metabolism in breast carcinoma: characterizing systemic metabolic remodeling and therapeutic response to selenium chrysin (SeChry) treatment
Co-supervisor
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event 		Event name
Institution / Organization
2021/02/18 - Current Cytometry Data Analysis in FlowJo v10 (Seminar and Training): Intro to FlowJov10; Advanced tools & Plugins
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Portugal
2020/02/28 - 2030/02/28 Encontros de Investigação - Genómica e Melanoma
Conference
 Genómica e Melanoma
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
2024/09/30 - 2024/10/01 Short course on Grant Writing
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Portugal
2024/09/13 - 2024/09/17 Theoretical part of the “14th CERMAX practical course on basic NMR”
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Portugal
2024/06/18 - 2024/06/22 Introduction to Genomic Technologies (Online course)
Johns Hopkins University, United States
2024/06/03 - 2024/06/06 Theoretical Course: NMR for Metabolic Profiling
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2024/05/16 - 2024/05/20 Linear Regression in R for Public Health
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
2024/05/10 - 2024/05/15 Introduction to Statistics & Data Analysis in Public Health
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
2019/04/12 - 2019/04/12 IV Jornadas de Investigação em Oncologia em Portugal
Conference
 IV Jornadas de Investigação em Oncologia em Portugal
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
2018/04/20 - 2018/04/20 III Jornadas de Investigação em Oncologia em Portugal
Conference
 III Jornadas de Investigação em Oncologia em Portugal
Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil EPE, Portugal
2014/10/30 - 2014/10/31 I Conferência do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses
Conference
 I Conferência do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses
Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Portugal

Ad Hoc journal article review

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2024 - Current Molecular Cancer BioMed Central
2023 - Current Experimental Cell Research
2022 - Current Redox Biology
2020 - Current Scientific reports
2021 - 2023 Co-editor for the special issue on "The Pivotal Role of Lipids in Cancer Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Therapy" in Cancers Journal

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2021/02 - 2023/02 Tutored Master’s students in the NOVA Biomedical Research Program (February 2021–February 2023) in the discipline "Carcinogénese – alterações moleculares e celulares subjacentes" (Carcinogenesis – Molecular and Cellular Alterations), conducting 4-hour practical sessions over two days each year and teaching techniques such as Western blotting, RT-qPCR, wound healing assays, WST-1 cell viability, and flow cytometry for cell death analysis using Annexin V and propidium iodide. Carcinogénese – alterações moleculares e celulares subjacentes (Prof. Jacinta Serpa) (Mestrado) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Portugal

Mentoring / Tutoring

Topic Student name
2023/09/01 - 2024/07/10 Trigger ferroptosis in breast cancer (BC) cells by targeting xCT and FATP1 Bruna Abreu
2020/09/01 - 2021/07/30 Metabolic and gene expression profiles related to EGFR mutations in lung cancer Isabel Lemos
2020/01 - 2020/05 Metabolic Adaptation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer David Kellen
2020/01 - 2020/03 Metabolic Adaptation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Mara Rodrigues
2019/02 - 2019/04 Novas abordagens no tratamento do cancro do ovário: Nanotransporte de selénio-crisina e dendrímeros de politioureia Joana Pereira
Distinctions

Award

2023 Travel grant award to present a poster at the 10th Meeting of the International Society of Cancer Metabolism (ISCaM) in London, United Kingdom