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Dr Fernanda Cardoso
Dr

Fernanda Cardoso

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 33402

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

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

  • Chronic pain - Mechanisms of pain and Therapeutics development, Visceral Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Neurodegeneration - Pathophysiology and Therapeutics development

  • Venomics and Pharmacology of Spiders, Cone snails and Snake venoms

  • Structure-function properties of venom peptides and proteins

  • 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

124 works between 2003 and 2024

1 - 20 of 124 works

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.

Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment

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.

Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2024

Journal Article

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. Toxicon, 248 107968, 29-29. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107968

Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment

2024

Journal Article

Venom peptides unlock dysfunctional ion channels in motor neurodegeneration and shed light onto pathophysiology and key drug targets

Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Venom peptides unlock dysfunctional ion channels in motor neurodegeneration and shed light onto pathophysiology and key drug targets. Toxicon, 248 107904, 107904. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107904

Venom peptides unlock dysfunctional ion channels in motor neurodegeneration and shed light onto pathophysiology and key drug targets

2024

Journal Article

Venom exaptation and adaptation during the trophic switch to blood-feeding by kissing bugs

Zdenek, Christina N., Cardoso, Fernanda C., Robinson, Samuel D., Mercedes, Raine S., Raidjõe, Enriko R., Hernandez-Vargas, María José, Jin, Jiayi, Corzo, Gerardo, Vetter, Irina, King, Glenn F., Fry, Bryan G. and Walker, Andrew A. (2024). Venom exaptation and adaptation during the trophic switch to blood-feeding by kissing bugs. iScience, 27 (9) 110723, 110723. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110723

Venom exaptation and adaptation during the trophic switch to blood-feeding by kissing bugs

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.

Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration

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.

Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider

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.

Characterisation of novel venom peptides from the underexplored Australian Wishbone Spider

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.

Modulation of the complex NaV1.2β4 as a therapeutic strategy to cease motor neuron hyperexcitability prior to the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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

Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha

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.

Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodegeneration

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.

Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment

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.

Probing ion channels on motor neuron pathways to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and unravel novel drug targets in motor neurodenegeration

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.

Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment

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

Tissue damaging toxins in snake venoms: mechanisms of action, pathophysiology and treatment strategies

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

High-content fluorescence bioassay investigates pore formation, ion channel modulation and cell membrane lysis induced by venoms

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

Inhibition of N-Type Calcium Channels by Phenoxyaniline and Sulfonamide Analogues

2024

Book Chapter

Amphibian and Reptile Neurotoxins

Muller, Jessica A.I., Kotapati, Charan, Bourke, Lachlan, Tran, Le Thuy Van and Cardoso, Fernanda C. (2024). Amphibian and Reptile Neurotoxins. Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology. (pp. 1-1) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-323-95702-1.00238-4

Amphibian and Reptile Neurotoxins

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

N-Sulfonylphenoxazines as neuronal calcium ion channel blockers

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

Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes

Funding

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Sodium Channels to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2023
    Novel multifunctional analgesic sodium channel inhibitors
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Development of dual Nav1.1/1.7 inhibitors for the treatment of IBS-related pain
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Fernanda Cardoso is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Venom variation in New World pit vipers

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Andrew Walker, Professor Bryan Fry

Completed supervision

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

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au