Nunes Lab

Mission

Identifying treatments for muscular dystrophies by understanding the role of macrophages in Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Key areas of focus

  • Studying the disease mechanisms and biomarker discovery for FSHD and DMD.
  • Furthering the development of therapies for muscular dystrophies.
  • Researching the function of macrophages in FSHD and DMD.

Lab team

Andreia Nunes, Ph.D., is a research assistant professor in Pharmacology with an interest in muscular dystrophies, specifically FSHD and DMD. Established in November 2024, the Nunes Lab seeks to understand the relationship between macrophages and muscular dystrophies. Over time, the lab's goal is to identify biomarkers and therapies for the treatment of FSHD and DMD.

  • Andreia Nunes, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
  • Ariany Oliveira Santos Nicolich, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Researcher

Equipment, technology and techniques

Our laboratory uses molecular and cell biology techniques that range from microscopy, cell culture and cell cytometry to spatial transcriptomics, traditional RNA quantification and protein quantification to study macrophage biology in the context of muscular dystrophies.

Active grants and research projects

  1. The role of macrophages in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.
    • Award: GR19572
    • Funding organization: Friends of FSH Research Foundation