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I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra in 2018, with a final grade of 15.28/20 (Good), and my Master’s degree in Biochemistry at the same institution in 2020, with a final grade of 17/20 (Very Good). I am currently completing a PhD in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine at the Interdisciplinary Research Institute of the University of Coimbra. My doctoral research focuses on the characterization of molecules used in targeted radionuclide therapy for prostate cancer, aiming to develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. As part of this work, I am co-author of the review article “Two Targets, One Mission: Heterobivalent Metal-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy”, published in ChemMedChem in March 2025 (https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202500128 ). Additionally, I co-authored two earlier review articles: “Impact of Carcinogenic Chromium on the Cellular Response to Proteotoxic Stress” (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019) and “Intermediary Metabolism: An Intricate Network at the Crossroads of Cell Fate and Function” (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease, 2020). I have also authored the book chapter “Role of Chitosan and Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Against Heavy Metal Stress in Plants” (Elsevier, 2020) and co-authored the review “Porphyrins and ZnO Hybrid Semiconductor Materials: A Review” (Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews, 2020). Throughout my PhD, I have developed strong expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, microscopy, qRT-PCR, computational biology, as well as data analysis and interpretation in translational research contexts. I have worked with various normal and cancer cell lines, optimized experimental protocols, and handled biological samples, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility. I have also participated in team-based projects, contributing to data collection, analysis, and dissemination, including oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences. In addition, I have supervised and provided guidance to several students, from undergraduate to PhD level, supporting their research projects and scientific development. Personally, I am highly adaptable, proactive, and committed to scientific excellence. I enjoy collaborative research environments, am motivated by translational science with clinical impact, and possess strong organizational and leadership skills, having served as spokesperson for various academic events.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Margarida Conceição Moreira Sobral
Date of birth
1997/06/25
Gender
Female

Citation names

  • Sobral, Margarida

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
D31F-2F85-32BE
ORCID iD
0000-0002-6255-5584
Researcher Id
AAK-8570-2020
Scopus Author Id
57211323001

Email addresses

  • uc2015231239@student.uc.pt (Professional)
  • msobral@cnc.uc.pt (Professional)

Websites

Knowledge fields

  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biology
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Clinical Medicine - Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Ecology
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Basic Medicine - Human Genetics
  • Exact Sciences - Computer and Information Sciences - Bioinformatics
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Clinical Medicine - Oncology
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Clinical Medicine - Endocrinology and Metabolism

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
English Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
French Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2)
Spanish; Castilian Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2)
German Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2) Elementary (A2)
Education
Degree Classification
2021/09/01 - 2025/09/01
Ongoing
 Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (Doutoramento)
Major in Oncobiology
Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Investigação Interdisciplinar, Portugal
"Organelle-targeted Radioconjugates for Auger Therapy of Cancer: In Silico and Biological Characterization of their "Cold" Surrogates." (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
2018/09/10 - 2020/12/03
Concluded
 Biochemistry (Mestrado)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Effects of Extended Passaging on the BEAS-2B Cell Line, an in vitro Model of Human Lung Epithelium Established for the Study of Lung Carcinogenesis" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 17,467
2018/09 - 2019/09
Concluded
 Research internship in the field of cell culture and related procedures. (Especialização pós-licenciatura)
Major in Oncobiology
Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, Portugal
 19
2015/09/09 - 2018/06/25
Concluded
 Biology (Licenciatura)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
 15.275
2012/09 - 2015/06
Concluded
 Science and Technology (Ensino secundário)
Escola Secundária Infanta Dona Maria, Portugal
 16
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2021/09/01 - 2025/09/01 Researcher (Research) Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
2020/12/03 - 2021/06/30 Researcher (Research) Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, Portugal
Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, Portugal
2018/05/21 - 2019/10/31 Research Trainee (Research) Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, Portugal
Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2021/09/01 - 2025/09/01 Organelle-targeted Radioconjugates for Auger Therapy of Cancer: Biochemical and Biological Characterization of their "Cold" Surrogates
2021.06783.BD
PhD Student Fellow
Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Investigação Interdisciplinar, Portugal

Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2022/05/01 - 2022/07/01 Becas Santander Language - Online English Courses 2022 - British Council
Becas Santander Language
Bolsa Santander - Online English Courses 2022 - British Council
Banco Santander Portugal, Portugal
 Banco Santander Portugal
Concluded
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. Sobral, Margarida; Martins, Inês M.; Sobral, Abílio J.F.N.. "Role of chitosan and chitosan-based nanoparticles against heavy metal stress in plants". In Role of Chitosan and Chitosan-Based Nanomaterials in Plant Sciences, 273-296. Portugal: Elsevier, 2022.
    10.1016/b978-0-323-85391-0.00011-3
Conference poster
  1. Sobral, Margarida. "PSMA-targeted Radioconjugates Bearing a DNA Intercalator for Enhanced Auger Therapy of Prostate cancer". Paper presented in 21st European Symposium on Radiopharmacy and Radiopharmaceuticals, 2024.
  2. Joana Santos; Fernandes, Célia; Raposinho, Paula; Mendes, Filipa; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Manuel Rocha Paulo. "Metalloconjugates designed to target the mitochondria of prostate cancer cells: design, synthesis and evaluation as theranostic agents". Paper presented in IV Metabolism, Ageing & Disease (MAD) Meeting Disease & Therapeutics: from the Past to Future, 2024.
  3. Joana Santos; Raposinho, Paula; Fernandes, Célia; Mendes, Filipa; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Manuel Rocha Paulo; Ana M. Urbano. "Design, synthesis and evaluation as theranostics agents of novel metalloconjugates targeted at the mitochondria of prostate cells". Paper presented in Ambiente, Genética e Oncobiologia no Século XXI - Desafios e Oportunidades, 2024.
  4. joana santos; Fernandes, Célia; Raposinho, Paula; Mendes, Filipa; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Manuel Rocha Paulo. "Biological evaluation of novel dually-targeted metallo conjugates containing a PSMA inhibitor and a TPP group for prostate cancer theranostics". Paper presented in Mitochondria in Aging, Cancer and Cell Death (MAC 2023), 2023.
  5. Joana Santos; Fernandes, Célia; Mendes, Filipa; Raposinho, Paula; Ana M. Urbano; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Manuel Rocha Paulo. "Avaliação biológica em modelos celulares de cancro da próstata de radioconjugados de duplo alvo contendo um grupo trifenil-fosfónio (TPP) e um inibidor do PSMA". Paper presented in 5º Encontro Nacional de Jovens Investigadores em Oncologia, 2023.
  6. Joana Santos; Fernandes, Célia; Raposinho, Paula; Mendes, Filipa; Ana M. Urbano; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Manuel Rocha Paulo. "Dually-targeted radioconjugates carrying TPP and a PSMA-binding moiety: biological studies in prostate cancer models". Paper presented in 57th Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society for Clinical Investigation, 2023.
  7. Joana Santos; Fernandes, Célia; Raposinho, Paula; Mendes, Filipa; Ana M. Urbano; Sandra Mota; Paulo Oliveira; António Paulo. "Biological evaluation of dual-targeted radioconjugates carrying TPP and PSMA-binding moieties on prostate cancer models". Paper presented in 1st FEBS Redox Medicine Workshop: from cellular signaling to systems physiology and therapeutic targets, 2023.
  8. Adriana Mata; Sobral, Margarida; Inês Rosa; Ana M. Urbano. Corresponding author: Adriana Mata. "Impact of Hexavalent Chromium, a Lung Carcinogen, on the Stress Response of Cultures Human Lung Carcinoma Cells and on their Susceptibility to Stress.". Paper presented in European Society for Clinical Investigation - 56th Annual Scientific Meeting, 2022.
  9. Margarida C. Sobral; Adriana Mata; Inês Rosa; Patrícia Abreu; Ana Urbano. "Impact of Extended Passaging on the BEAS-2B Cell Line, an in vitro Model of Human Bronchial Epithelium". Paper presented in European Society for Clinical Investigation - 56th Annual Scientific Meeting, 2022.
  10. Sobral, Margarida; Abreu, Patrícia; Ferreira, D. C.; Mascarenhas A.; Pais C.; Melo J. B.; Carreira I. M.; Urbano A. M.. "Assessment of the Effects of Extended Passaging on the Phenotype of the BEAS-2B Cell Line". Paper presented in 2nd FEBS Advanced Lecture Course on Oncometabolism - From Conceptual Knowledge to Clinical Applications, Luso, Coimbra, Portugal, 2019.
  11. Sobral, Margarida. Corresponding author: Sobral, Margarida. "Effects of extended passaging on the phenotype of the BEAS-2B cell line". Paper presented in 2nd FEBS Advanced Lecture Course on Oncometabolism-From Conceptual Knowledge to Clinical Applications, 2019.
Journal article
  1. Paulo, António; Sobral, Margarida; Mota, Sandra I.; Oliveira, Paulo J.; Ana M. Urbano. "Two Targets, One Mission: Heterobivalent Metal-based Radiopharmaceuticals for Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy". ChemMedChem (2025): https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202500128.
    10.1002/cmdc.202500128
  2. Sobral, M.; Urbano, A. M.; Mata, A. S.; Rosa, I. C.; Abreu, P. L.. "Impact of extended passaging on the BEAS-2B cell line, an in vitro model of human bronchial epithelium". European Journal of Clinical Investigation (2022): https://publons.com/wos-op/publon/55233383/.
  3. Mata, A.; Rosa, I. C.; Sobral, M. C.; Urbano, A. M.. "Impact of hexavalent chromium, a lung carcinogen, on the stress response of cultured human lung carcinoma cells and on their susceptibility to stress". European Journal of Clinical Investigation (2022): https://publons.com/wos-op/publon/55233384/.
  4. Balu, Krishnakumar; António Aguiar; Margarida C. Sobral; I. Muthuvel; Abilio J. F. N. Sobral. "Porphyrins and ZnO Hybrid Semiconductor Materials: A Review". Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews 154 (2021): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2023.110973.
    Published
  5. Leonardo M. R. Ferreira; Albert M. Li; Teresa L. Serafim; Margarida C. Sobral; Maria Carmen Alpoim; Ana M. Urbano. "Intermediary metabolism: An intricate network at the crossroads of cell fate and function". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease 1866 10 (2020): 165887. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165887.
    Published • 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165887
  6. Ferreira, Leonardo M.R.; Teresa Cunha-Oliveira; Margarida C. Sobral; Patrícia L. Abreu; Maria Carmen Alpoim; Ana M. Urbano. "Impact of Carcinogenic Chromium on the Cellular Response to Proteotoxic Stress". International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20 19 (2019): 4901. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20194901.
    Open access • Published • 10.3390/ijms20194901
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2024/04/03 PSMA Inhibition and Cell Localization Assays of M(III) (In, Eu) Complexes in Prostate Cancer Cells Workshop “New Approaches in Cancer (Radio)theranostics”
Universidade de Coimbra (Coimbra, Portugal)

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role) 		Institution / Organization
2022/05/20 - 2022/05/20 I participated in and assisted with the preparation of the “Brain Fair”, an initiative organized as part of the International Brain Awareness Week 2022, held at the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra. (2022/05/20)
Meeting (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Gabinete de Comunicação de Ciência do Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2019/09/01 - 2019/09/06 I completed the “2nd FEBS (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) Advanced Lecture Course on Oncometabolism – From Conceptual Knowledge to Clinical Applications.” This course covered a wide range of established and emerging topics in oncometabolism, from fundamental concepts to recent discoveries, advanced techniques, and clinical applications. (2019/09/01 - 2019/09/06)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event 		Event name
Institution / Organization
2022/06/21 - Current I participated in the “12th EFMC-YSN MedChemBioOnline” event. The MedChemBioOnline is a series of webinars designed to address the current needs of our scientific community by promoting the exchange of ideas and innovations, while providing early-career scientists with opportunities to learn from leading researchers and expand their knowledge.
Congress
 12th EFMC-YSN MedChemBioOnline
Young Scientists Network (YSN) of the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (EFMC), Portugal
2025/05 - 2025/10 I completed the 17th Edition of the Specialization in Regulatory Affairs & Technical Direction at Invictus Science. This program provided advanced training in regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical legislation, technical management, and quality systems related to the development, authorization, and commercialization of medicinal products and medical devices. It also covered practical aspects of regulatory documentation, compliance, and good manufacturing practices (GMP).
2025/05 - 2025/06 I completed the CLIC: Clinical Investigator Certificate – Level 1, achieving a final score of 95%. This course provided comprehensive training in the fundamental principles of clinical research, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ethical and regulatory requirements, study design, data management, and participant safety. It strengthened my understanding of the responsibilities of clinical investigators and the standards required to ensure the integrity and reliability of clinical trials.
2021/01/27 - 2021/01/28 I participated in the “CIMAGO Webinar – Virus and Cancer.” This event aimed to promote scientific research and clinical translation in areas related to the environment, genetics, and cancer.
Conference
 CIMAGO Webinar - Virus and Cancer
Associação de Apoio ao Centro de Investigação em Meio Ambiente Genética e Oncobiologia, Portugal
2017/03/04 - 2017/03/04 The meet.Lab Coimbra was an event organized by the Biology Students’ Association of the Academic Association of Coimbra, which allowed me to learn about the future of scientific research, particularly in the laboratory field.
Congress
 meet.Lab Coimbra NEB/AAC
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2016/03/18 - 2016/03/22 I participated in the “XIX National Meeting of Biology Students (XIX ENEB)”. This event provided an opportunity to learn from leading scientists across diverse areas of Biology through innovative lectures and workshops, while also encouraging critical thinking and active discussion of the topics presented.
Congress
 XIX Encontro Nacional dos Estudantes de Biologia (XIX ENEB)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2015/12/19 - 2015/12/19 I participated in the “meet.Eco Coimbra” event organized by NEB/AAC. This event provided the opportunity to attend several lectures and workshops in the field of Ecology, enriching my academic and professional training.
Congress
 meet.Eco Coimbra NEB/AAC
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2015/01/05 - 2015/01/05 Participei no evento "Formação Suporte Básico de Vida". Neste evento aprendi um conjunto de procedimentos realizados sem recurso a equipamento específico, com o objetivo de ganhar tempo, até à chegada de ajuda especializada, em situações de emergência médica.
Seminar
 Formação Suporte Básico de Vida
Centro de Simulação Biomédico de Coimbra, Portugal
2014/07/30 - 2014/07/30 Participei no evento "Aprender o que é a Medicina Veterinária, por um dia". Neste evento tive a oportunidade de aprender, resumidamente, a anatomia de alguns mamíferos e aves, bem como algumas curiosidades relativas aos animais.
Seminar
 Aprender o que é a Medicina Veterinária, por um dia
Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal
2013/07/15 - 2013/07/19 Participei no evento "Química: conhecer e fazer para melhorar o mundo - 2". Evento realizado no Departamento de Química da Universidade de Coimbra onde aprendi quais as áreas mais importantes da Química Moderna.
Seminar
 Química: conhecer e fazer para melhorar o mundo - 2
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Química de Coimbra, Portugal
2011/04/25 - 2011/04/25 Participei no evento "Olímpiadas da Química". Evento realizado no Departamento de Química da Universidade de Coimbra onde se desenvolveram trabalhos de discussão sobre temas atuais da Química.
Workshop
 Olímpiadas da Química
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2022/06/26 - 2022/07/08 I participated in the course “Ageing: From Fundamental Biology to Societal Impact.” This experience allowed me to learn about the interconnection between the cellular and molecular basis of ageing and the societal challenges it poses, as well as innovative intervention strategies. Eit Health (Outros)
2022/03/31 - 2022/03/31 I completed the “Lab Safety Workspace” program, a collaborative project that provides information on laboratory best practices and promotes a strong culture of safety among scientists. Lab Safety Workspace (Outros) Lab Safety Workspace - University of Washington, United States
2021/05 - 2022/03 I completed the online course “Microsoft Excel – Excel from Beginner to Advanced.” The course combined four modules: Microsoft Excel 101 – An Introduction to Excel, Microsoft Excel 102 – Intermediate Level Excel, Microsoft Excel 103 – Advanced Level Excel, and Master Microsoft Excel Macros and VBA in 6 Simple Projects. The topics covered in this course apply to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 (Microsoft/Office 365). Microsoft Excel - Excel from Beginner to Advanced (Outros)
2021/06/01 - 2021/06/30 I completed the online course “Web of Science”, structured into four modules covering the following topics: understanding the various tools of the Web of Science platform (Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, Essential Science Indicators, EndNote Click, EndNote Online, Publons, and Master Journal List). Module A: Survey the research landscape Module B: Publish in the right journal Module C: Create your researcher profile Module D: Assess institutions and publication performance (Outros)
2016/07/18 - 2016/07/22 I completed the “Summer Course – Tools for Aquatic Ecosystems Research.” This course covered key aspects such as sampling of biological elements (plankton, vegetation, invertebrates, fish) in marine and freshwater environments, the collection of environmental parameters, and supporting biological analyses. Summer Course - Tools for Aquatic Ecosystems Research (Outros) Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (Universidade de Coimbra), Portugal

Mentoring / Tutoring

Topic Student name
2021/09 - Current Responsible for the maintenance of the laboratory and cell culture room, as well as for managing the inventory of materials and reagents. Margarida Conceição Moreira Sobral
2024 - 2025 I supervised Ana Sofia, an undergraduate Biochemistry student, in her project focused on the optimization of a protocol for the generation of cancer cell spheroids. Ana Sofia
2020/09/01 - 2021/06/01 I assisted in supervising Adriana Mata, a second-year Master’s student in Biochemistry, whose dissertation focuses on the effects of hexavalent chromium on the A549 cell line. I also provided continuous guidance and scientific support following the initia Adriana Mata
2020/09/01 - 2021/06/01 I assisted in supervising PhD student Carlos Soares from the PhD Program in Sports Sciences, whose doctoral research focuses on the relationship between cell proliferation and athletes’ sera. I also provided continuous guidance and scientific support foll Carlos Soares
2019/09/01 - 2020/09/01 I assisted in supervising Joana Ferreira, a third-year Bachelor’s student in Biochemistry, during her final undergraduate project, which focused on cell culture techniques. Joana Ferreira
2019/09/01 - 2020/09/01 I assisted in supervising Beatriz Martinho, a third-year Bachelor’s student in Biochemistry, during her final undergraduate project, which focused on cell culture techniques. Beatriz Martinho
2019/09/01 - 2020/09/01 I assisted in supervising João Alves, a third-year Bachelor’s student in Biochemistry, during his final undergraduate project, which focused on cell culture techniques, and I provided continuous guidance and scientific support following the initial superv João Alves