Overview
Background
Dr Fernanda Cardoso is a Brazil-born Australian researcher interested in venom peptide-based biodiscovery and therapeutics development. Cardoso was awarded an MSc in Molecular Pharmacology and a PhD with an emphasis in Biochemistry and Immunology and is part of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, where she develops novel therapies for complex neurological diseases. Cardoso has interdisciplinary training in the fields of neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry and chemical biology and a strong background in drug discovery, which provides the skills to identify naturally occurring or synthetic bioactive molecules and to study their effects in human physiology with applications in neurologic disorders such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and motor neuron disease (MND). Please see Dr Cardoso’s Grants and Publications list for more details.
Before joining the University of Queensland, Dr Cardoso was part of the Queensland Institute for Medical Research, holding a prestigious CAPES Postdoctoral Fellowship. During this period, Cardoso developed unique high-throughput screen platforms for discovering protein and peptide targets of novel therapies to combat infectious diseases and novel helminth-derived bioactives with anti-inflammatory properties. Please see Dr Cardoso’s Publications list for more details.
Dr Cardoso is currently part of the Centre for Drug Discovery and manages several industry and academic projects studying ion channel modulators derived from natural repertoires, particularly venoms, and developing novel, effective drugs to treat neurological disorders.
Availability
- Dr Fernanda Cardoso is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
- Masters (Research) of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
- Doctor of Philosophy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Research interests
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Chronic pain - Mechanisms of pain and Therapeutics development, Visceral Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Neurodegeneration - Pathophysiology and Therapeutics development
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Venomics and Pharmacology of Spiders, Cone snails and Snake venoms
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Structure-function properties of venom peptides and proteins
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Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Research impacts
Dr. Fernanda Cardoso's research has provided remarkable insights into the discovery and biology of new agents for therapeutical use in complex disorders such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and motor neuron disease, and vaccinology against tropical diseases. Her ongoing research in ion channel modulators has provided unique leads for treating neuropathic pain and neurodegenerative disorders, which could improve the lives of millions of individuals around the globe, and her past discoveries in vaccine research have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa, Asia and South America through a vaccine against schistosomiasis.
Works
Search Professor Fernanda Cardoso’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Conference Publication
Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment
Muller, Jessica A.I. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment. Cellular and Molecular Advances in Neurodegeneration, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 3 - 4 December 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Kotapati, Charan and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cellular and Molecular Advances in Neurodegeneration, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 3 - 4 December 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration
Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration. Ion Channel Modulation Symposium, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 18-20 July 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider
Pinter, Michael, Wirth, Hayden, Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh, Muller, Jessica A.I., Nixon, Samantha, Walker, Andrew A., King, Glenn F. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider. East Coast Protein Meeting by the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), Coffs Coast, NSW, Australia, 17 - 19 July 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider
Pinter, Michael, Wirth, Hayden, Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh, Muller, Jessica A.I., Nixon, Samantha, Walker, Andrew A., King, Glenn F. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider. Institute for Molecular Bioscience Student Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 12 July 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Kotapati, Charan and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Institute for Molecular Bioscience Student Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 12 July.
2024
Journal Article
Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha
Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh H., Robinson, Samuel D., Cardoso, Fernanda C., Mitchell, Michela L., Cook, Lyn G., King, Glenn F. and Walker, Andrew A. (2024). Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha. Scientific Reports, 14 (1) 14172, 14172. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-65078-1
2024
Conference Publication
Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration
Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration. Venom Week IX, Durham, USA, 5-8 June 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment
Muller, Jessica A.I. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment. XIII World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology, Singapore, Singapore, 20 - 25 May 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodenegeration
Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodenegeration. 22nd World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology, Singapore, 20 - 25 May 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment
Muller, Jessica A.I. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment. 22nd World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology, Singapore, 20 - 25 May 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Tissue damaging toxins in snake venoms: mechanisms of action, pathophysiology and treatment strategies
Bittenbinder, Mátyás A., van Thiel, Jory, Cardoso, Fernanda C., Casewell, Nicholas R., Gutiérrez, José-María, Kool, Jeroen and Vonk, Freek J. (2024). Tissue damaging toxins in snake venoms: mechanisms of action, pathophysiology and treatment strategies. Communications Biology, 7 (1) 358. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06019-6
2024
Journal Article
High-content fluorescence bioassay investigates pore formation, ion channel modulation and cell membrane lysis induced by venoms
Kramer, Simon, Kotapati, Charan, Cao, Yuanzhao, Fry, Bryan G., Palpant, Nathan J., King, Glenn F. and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). High-content fluorescence bioassay investigates pore formation, ion channel modulation and cell membrane lysis induced by venoms. Toxicon: X, 21 100184, 100184. doi: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100184
2024
Journal Article
Inhibition of N-Type Calcium Channels by Phenoxyaniline and Sulfonamide Analogues
Bispat, Anjie, Cardoso, Fernanda, Hasan, Md. Mahadhi, Dongol, Yashad, Wilcox, Ricki, Lewis, Richard, Duggan, Peter James and Tuck, Kellie (2024). Inhibition of N-Type Calcium Channels by Phenoxyaniline and Sulfonamide Analogues. RSC Medicinal Chemistry, 15 (3), 916-936. doi: 10.1039/d3md00714f
2024
Journal Article
N-Sulfonylphenoxazines as neuronal calcium ion channel blockers
Schmit, Matthieu, Hasan, Md. Mahadhi, Dongol, Yashad, Cardoso, Fernanda C., Kuiper, Michael J., Lewis, Richard J., Duggan, Peter J. and Tuck, Kellie L. (2024). N-Sulfonylphenoxazines as neuronal calcium ion channel blockers. RSC Medicinal Chemistry, 15 (7), 2400-2412. doi: 10.1039/d4md00336e
2023
Journal Article
Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes
Dongol, Yashad, Wilson, David T., Daly, Norelle L., Cardoso, Fernanda C. and Lewis, Richard J. (2023). Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14 1277143, 1-13. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1277143
2023
Conference Publication
Novel neuroprotective drugs inspired by venom-peptide inhibitors of ion channels to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2023). Novel neuroprotective drugs inspired by venom-peptide inhibitors of ion channels to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. XVII Congress of the Brazilian Society of Toxinology/XIII Congress of the Pan American Section of the International Society on Toxinology, Brasilia, Brazil, 9-13 November 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Peptide-based medicine: designing novel voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors to treat motor neuron disease
Kotapati, Charan and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2023). Peptide-based medicine: designing novel voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors to treat motor neuron disease. Centre for Chemistry and Drug Development Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 2 November 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Venom peptide inhibitors of sodium channels are a new drug class to treat neurodegenerative diseases
Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2023). Venom peptide inhibitors of sodium channels are a new drug class to treat neurodegenerative diseases. V2D 2023: 8th Venom to Drugs Conference, Moreton Island, QLD, Australia, 9 - 14 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Structure, function, and evolution of nettle caterpillar venom toxins
Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh H., Robinson, Samuel, Cardoso, Fernanda C., Lawrence, Nicole, Eagles, David, Chin, Y., King, Glenn F. and Walker, Andrew A. (2023). Structure, function, and evolution of nettle caterpillar venom toxins. V2D 2023: 8th Venoms to Drugs Conference, Moreton Island, QLD, Australia, 9 - 13 October 2023.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Fernanda Cardoso is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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We are seeking enthusiastic students to join our Lab! Please get in touch with us if you want to learn from our fantastic team at the Institute for Molecular Biosciences!
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Discovery and characterization of bio-active molecules from animal venoms
We have open positions for Research Students to develop projects in discovery, characterization and structure-function studies of bio-active compounds in animal venoms and other natural repertoires. Students will develop skills in high throughput cellular assays using fluorescence imaging assays, manual and automated whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectometry, recombinant expression, peptide synthesis, amongst other state-of-the-art methods and techiniques. Students will also co-author papers and be involved in writting and figures preparation for research publications from their work.
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Therapeutics development
We have open positions for Research Students to develop projects in therapies for treating Chronic Pain, Visceral Pain and Motor Neuron Disease. These novel therapies will be developed from bio-active compounds targeting voltage-gated sodium and/or calcium channels. Students will develop skills in manual and automated whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectometry, recombinant expression, peptide synthesis, amongst other state-of-the-art methods and techiniques. Students will also co-author papers and be involved in writting and figures preparation for research publications from their work.
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Other research projects in HDR
On-going
Isolation and characterisation of novel analgesic conotoxins - Tianjiao Zhao Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Completed
The unexplored pharmacopeia of Australian spiders: learning from the experts - Hayden Wirth (2022) Science Honours — Principal Advisor
Peptides targeting sodium channels to treat Motor Neuron Disease - Charan Kotapati (2022) Biomedical Sciences Honours — Principal Advisor
Structure-Function and Rational Design of a Newly Discovered Spider Venom Peptide Ssp1a at hNaV1.2, hNaV1.3 and hNaV1.7 Yashad Dongol (2020) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Spider-venom peptides targeting ion channels in chronic pain pathways - Amatulla Shakir Nashikwala (2022) Master Coursework — Principal Advisor
In vitro assessment of human neuroblastoma cytotoxicity induced by snake venoms - Simon Kramer (2022) Summer Research project — Principal Advisor
Molecular pharmacology and peripheral analgesia of omega-conotoxins- Mahadhi Hasan (2021) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Discovery and Characterisation of Venom Peptide and Small Molecule Modulators for T-type Calcium Channels - Dan Wang (2020) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Molecular interactions between spider peptides and the sodium channel Nav1.1 - Huyiu Hu (2019) Masters Coursework — Principal Advisor
Structure-function relatioships of the multifunctional spider peptide Tap1a - Saja E Mawlawi (2019) Masters Coursework — Principal Advisor
Novel ion channels modulators from Australian tarantula venoms - Phil M Choin (2015) Summer Research Project — Associate Advisor
N-type calcium channels modulators from Australian tarantula venoms - Wan Nur Amalina (2015) Summer Research Project — Associate Advisor
Isolation and characterization of novel spider venom peptides antagonizing voltage-gated calcium channels - Ching Koon Lim (2014) Masters Coursework — Associate Advisor
Optimizing the potency and selectivity of a spider-venom peptide that inhibits the analgesic target Nav1.7 - Andelain Erickson (2014) Honours — Associated Advisor
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Selective inhibition of voltage gated sodium channels using ProTx-III spider venom peptide to treat motor neuron disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Glenn King
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Doctor Philosophy
Venom variation in New World pit vipers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andrew Walker, Professor Bryan Fry
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Venom Components as Analgesics and Pharmacological Tools to Elucidate Mammalian Pain Signalling Pathways
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Markus Muttenthaler, Professor Glenn King
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
A Pharmacological and Transcriptomic approach to exploring Novel Pain Targets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Cabot, Professor Irina Vetter
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Fernanda Cardoso directly for media enquiries about:
- Analgesics
- Bio-active peptides
- Drug discovery
- Ion channels
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Motor Neuron Disease
- Neurodegeneration
- Neurological disorders
- Pain
- Snake
- Spider
- Toxins
- Venoms
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