miPEP2Protect
Exploring a non-mature miRNA-encoded peptide (miPEP) as a bio-based strategy to protect grapevine against the devastating trunk disease Esca
Reference:
2023.17317.ICDT & COMPETE2030-FEDER-00756300
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
MiPEP2Protect explores an innovative bio-based strategy to combat Esca, a grapevine disease, by using a novel miRNA-encoded peptide, miPEP-WRKY8. The project aims to validate miPEP-WRKY8's efficacy in boosting grapevine resistance via enhanced synthesis of antifungal stilbenes, ensuring sustainable viticulture. Activities span from controlled trials with grapevine cuttings to field validation, promising a positive impact on viticulture health.(DOI: 10.54499/2023.17317.ICDT)
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/07/2025 - 30/06/2028
CBMA Funding:
249 523,20 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Artur Conde (IR)Henrique Noronha
Richard Breia
Partners
-
RHIPL
Rhizosphere communication and interactions among plants, nematodes and rhizobia –novel solutions for crop protection
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00711500
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Bringing together agronomy, soil ecology, biochemistry and molecular biology for the interpretation and tailoring of effects, the project will develop novel sustainable crop protection solutions against root-knot nematodes, the most damaging soilborne plant-parasite. Our approach exploits the mediating role of legumes in plant-soil interactions and communication to enhance and transfer nematode resistance to neighbouring susceptible crops.(DOI: 10.54499/2023.17906.ICDT)
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
15/06/2025 -13/06/2028
CBMA Funding:
249 696,00 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Ulrike Mathesius (Australia) - external partner
CHITMOD
Chitinase Modulation for Diverse Biological Applications
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00708500
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
CHITMOD targets a fungal chitinase (Cht3) with remarkable stability and proposes the production of new AI-drive chimeric Cht3 variants to be applied in medical, biocontrol, and waste management. It is based on previous team research and inclusion of international experts with complementary knowledge and skills to ensure the successful implementation of Cht3 variants as biopesticides and efficient chitinous waste converters.(DOI: 10.54499/2023.18084.ICDT)
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/06/2025 - 31/05/2028
CBMA Funding:
236 692,8€
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Ana Paula SampaioRicardo Araújo
Partners
-
WATER-FRUITPRINT
WATER management systems for sustainable FRUIT PRoduction under INTense drought conditions
Reference:
PRIMA/0007/2024
Coordinator:
CBMA
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT (10.54499/PRIMA/0007/2024)
Abstract
Objectives of the proposal are: to reduce water consumes in orchards and vineyards adopting sustainable practices; to increase water productivity, yield and fruit quality by optimizing the use of water and regulating the plant water status; to provide a support system to drive water management for woody crops under water scarcity conditions; to improve the sustainability of water management in fruit-growing regions at socio-economic and environmental levels.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/06/2025 - 31/05/2028
CBMA Funding:
99 985,58 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
UNIMI - University of Milan (Coordenadora);University Sultan Moulay Slimane;
University of SKIKDA;
CBBC - Center of Biotechnology of Borj-cedria;
CERTE - Water Research and Technology Center.
MarUMinho
Multidisciplinary Research Programme in Marine Science and Technology at the University of Minho
Reference:
id9493
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Abstract
MarUMinho is a multidisciplinary research and development program promoted by the University of Minho, bringing together researchers and teams from the School of Engineering, the School of Sciences, the School of Economics and Management, and the Institute for Research in Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics (I3Bs). It was created with the goal of promoting innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges of the coastline and the ocean, in an integrated approach that combines fundamental science, applied technology, and economic and social value creation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/06/2024 - 31/05/2028
CBMA Funding:
150 000,00 €
CBMA Research Team
Partners
CEB,CMEMS,
CTAC,
3B's,
ICT,
IPC,
ISISE,
iBMS
SuberSafe
Finding sustainable strategies for protecting cork oak forests from phytopathogens
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00737100
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Growing Life, Computing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
In SuberSafe, we intend to protect cork oaks (and thus promote cork production) by (1) finding the best biocontrol strategies for restricting three of the most dangerous cork oak pathogens, (2) by creating RNA-based new generation biocides against the same pathogens, and also (3) by optimizing an endotherapy method for delivering BCA-based or RNA-based biocides into the vascular system.(DOI: 10.54499/2023.17288.ICDT)
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/05/2025 - 30/04/2028
CBMA Funding:
159 408,00 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Universidade do Minho
Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Bioinvitro ‐ Biotecnologia, Lda
GastroFungi
Ecological role of Candida albicans in human microbiome: a case study for gastrointestinal dysbiosis
Reference:
2023.12236.PEX
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Mycology is an area of urgent medical and research need, with more than 2.5 million deaths per year directly attributable to fungal infections, as a result of modern medicine practices and climate change. Due to the lack of effective antifungals and diagnostics, fungal infections are a serious global health threat. The yeast Candida albicans is a human commensal but also one of the most common fungal pathogens. C. albicans infections are particularly common in cancer patients, mainly due to gastrointestinal (GI) dysbiosis triggered either by broad-spectrum antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents. Current epidemiological and experimental evidence supports C. albicans involvement in GI cancer, including an association of these pathogens with poor prognosis. The ability of C. albicans cells to inhabit a tumor raises two important questions: 1) are Candida species able to promote cancer as oncomicrobes? or 2) is the tumor ecosystem an attractive microenvironment that somehow fosters their proliferation and exacerbates cancer? GastroFungi aims to define the molecular mechanisms that underlie the involvement of C. albicans in GI carcinogenesis. This will clarify whether these pathogens play a causal or consequential role in the development of GI cancer. We propose to solve this at a mechanistic level by setting up a murine model of gastrointestinal cancer combined with C. albicans infections. We will use advanced imaging techniques and omics technologies to simultaneously profile and elucidate host-microbe mechanistic interactions. The execution of GastroFungi will provide new information on how C.albicans persistence is regulated during GI carcinogenesis, including how the tumour environment directly impacts the pathogenic behavior of these microbes, having the potential to reveal novel players of virulence pathways that can be exploited in search of new antifungal targets. Moreover, the effective management of Candida infections might be a sound preventive strategy or co-therapeutic option during oncologic treatments.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/2025 - 06/2026
CBMA Funding:
50 000 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
KU Leuven, BelgiumUniversity of Birmingham, UK
ARE BEST NbS
Aquatic and Riparian Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Economic Service
Transitions from Nature-based Solutions
Reference:
BiodivNBS/0011/2023
Coordinator:
University of Southern Denmark
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
BIODIVERSA +
Abstract
The main goal is to understand how different groups of stakeholders perceive biodiversity, how lived experiences influence these perceptions and values, and how such changes interact with processes of valuation, assessment, and decision-making in riparian Nature-based Solutions (NbS) aimed at promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The specific objective for Portugal is to integrate ecological and economic contributions to decision-making concerning riparian NbS, using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to integrate multiple types of values, including biodiversity value from different perspectives (ecological, social, cultural, artistic). The project employs techniques such as “mental models,” “revealed and stated preferences,” and “immersive experiences,” in collaboration with project partners, and uses the Ave River basin as the case study. It includes both a societal perspective—analyzing the costs and benefits of riparian forest corridors (eco-ways) compared with intensive agricultural areas—and a business perspective—assessing the net impacts of a phytoremediation pond at the Agra wastewater treatment plant (Águas do Norte, S.A.).
The project’s relevance to society lies in its potential to inform improved practices for incorporating the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, foster stakeholder engagement, and promote open communication throughout the entire process of riparian NbS project decision-making and implementation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/04/2025 - 31/03/2028
CBMA Funding:
106 232,15 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
University of Southern Denmark, Denmark (COORDENADOR)
UiS Business School, University of Stavanger, Norway
University of Minho - CBMA, Portugal
MOME Innovation Center, Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design, Hungary
Utrecht University, Netherlands
Secret Hotel, Denmark
BactoCast
Bacterial ecology for chestnut production
Reference:
PD24‐00063
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Growing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
Fundação LaCaixa
Abstract
The BactoCast project focuses on developing strategies that facilitate the establishment of young chestnut trees in the field. By identifying the microbial diversity of the roots of chestnut trees from Trás-os-Montes, the project aims to explore and enhance this diversity, promoting mycorrhization assisted by bacteria. Due to the benefits of mycorrhization, this innovative idea will allow for the expansion of the chestnut tree's cultivation area, its resistance to stress, and its chestnut production capacity.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
1/1/2025 - 1/1/2027
CBMA Funding:
146 453,35 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Bioinvitro ‐ Biotecnologia, Lda
