CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME :
Rodrigo Pinto dos Santos Antunes da Cunha
BORN :
3rd December, 1966
NATIONALITY :
Portuguese
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE :
Institute of Biochemistry
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra
3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
Tel: 351-239 820190; Fax: 351-239 822776;
Email: [email protected]
ACADEMIC DEGREES
2007-‘Agregação’ in Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
1994- Ph.D. in Pharmacology, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
1989- Graduated in Biochemistry, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
PRESENT POSITIONS
Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra.
Director of the Dept. Neuropharmacology of the Center for Neurosciences of Coimbra.
Principal investigator of the research group ‘Purines at CNC’ (http://purines-cnc.webnode.com/)
SCIENTIFIC CAREER
1997/01 - Investigator at the Lab. Neurosciences, Fac. Medicine, Univ. Lisbon.
1994/01 - Professor at the Dept. Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fac. Sciences, Univ. Lisbon.
1995/97 - Post-Doctoral fellow at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) with BB Fredholm.
1994/95 - Clinical Research Associate at Rhône-Poulenc Rorer.
1994/96 - Project investigator (STRDA/C/SAU/292/92), Lab.Pharmacol., Gulbenkian Inst.Science.
1991/93 - Ph.D. Student, Lab.Pharmacology, Gulbenkian Institute of Science.
1989/90 - Project investigator (BAP-0470P(EDB)), Lab.Pharmacol., Gulbenkian Inst. Science.
1988/89 - Student at the Lab.Pharmacology, Gulbenkian Institute of Science.
AREA OF SPECIALISATION - Neurosciences: neurochemistry/electrophysiology
OTHER AREAS OF SPECIALISATION - Neurophysiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Metabolic
Regulation
AREA OF INVESTIGATION
Neuromodulation by adenosine and ATP in the nervous system: adenosine and ATP receptors
(expression, binding characteristics, coupling to transducing systems, desensitisation), formation and
inactivation of ATP and adenosine, physiological roles (control of neurotransmitter release, of ion
channels and of synaptic transmission and plasticity) and role in physio-pathology (aging, hypoxia,
epilepsy, diabetic neuropathies, stress, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, neuro-inflammation).
AWARDS
2011-MIT-Portugal Award of Teaching Excellence
2004- Neurodegenerative Diseases’ Award by the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience
2002- Pfizer Award nomination
2002- Servier Young Investigator Award
1997- UCB Award of Pharmacology
1995- Stimulus to Investigation Award by the Gulbenkian Foundation
1994- ‘Boa Esperança’ Award nomination
PUBLICATIONS
Original Papers in Refereed Journals
169.Zappettini, S., Grilli, M., Olivero, G., Chen, J., Padolecchia, C., Pittaluga, A., Tomé, A.R., Cunha, R.A.,
Marchi, M. (2014) Nicotinic α7 receptor activation selectively potentiates the function of NMDA
receptors in glutamatergic terminals of the nucleus accumbens. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience (in
press).
168.Ferreira, S.G., Gonçalves, F.Q., Marques, J.M., Rodrigues, R.J., Tomé, A.R., Nunes-Correia, I.,
Ledent, C., Harkány, T., Venance, L., Cunha, R.A., Köfalvi, A. (2014) Presynaptic A2A adenosine
receptors dampen CB1 cannabinoid receptor-mediated inhibition of corticostriatal glutamatergic
transmission. British Journal of Pharmacology (in press).
167.Rial, D., Lara, D.R., Cunha, R.A. (2014) The adenosine neuromodulation system in schizophrenia.
International Review of Neurobiology 119, 395-451.
166.Santiago, A.R., Baptista, F.I., Santos, P.F., Cristóvão, G., Ambrósio, A.F., Cunha, R.A., Gomes, C.
(2014) Role of microglia adenosine A2A receptors in retinal and brain neurodegenerative diseases.
Mediators of Inflammation 465694.
165.Rial, D, Pandolfo, P., Bitencourt, R.M., Pamplona, F.A., Moreira, K.M., Hipolide, D., Dombrowski, P.A.,
Da Cunha, C., Walz, R., Cunha, R.A., Takahashi, R.N., Prediger, R.D. (2014) Cellular prion protein
C
(PrP ) modulates ethanol-induced behavioral adaptive changes in mice. Behavioral Brain Research
271, 325-332
164.Ribeiro, P.O., Silva, H.B., Tomé, A.R., Cunha, R.A., Antunes, L.M. (2014) A single intra-peritoneal
injection of ketamine does not cause alterations of hippocampal long-term potentiation after anesthesia
in adult mice. Lab Animal 43, 353-357.
163.Coelho, J.E., Alves, P., Canas, P.M., Valadas, J.S., Shmidt, T., Batalha, V.L., Ferreira, D.G., Ribeiro,
J.A., Bader, M., Cunha, R.A., do Couto, F.S., Lopes, L.V. (2014) Overexpression of adenosine A2A
receptors in rats: effects on depression, locomotion and anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry 5: 67.
162.Cristovão, G., Pinto, M.J., Cunha, R.A., Almeida, R.D., Gomes, C.A. (2014) Activation of microglia
bolsters synapse formation. Frontiers in Cellular Neurosciences 8: 153.
161.Ardais, A.P., Borges, M.F., Rocha, A.S., Sallaberry, C., Cunha, R.A., Porciúncula, L.O. (2014)
Caffeine triggers behavioral and neurochemical alterations in adolescent rats. Neuroscience 270, 2739.
160.Rial, D., Pamplona, F.A., Moreira, E.L.G., Moreira, K.M., Hipolide, D., Rodrigues, D.I., Dombrowski,
P.A., Cunha, C., Agostinho, P., Takahashi, R.N., Walz, R., Cunha, R.A., Prediger, R.D. (2014) Cellular
C
prion protein (PrP ) is present in dopaminergic neurons and modulates the dopaminergic system.
European Journal of Neuroscience 40, 2479-86.
159.Pinheiro, S., Alfaro, T.M., Matos, M.J., Cunha, R.A., Robalo-Cordeiro, C. (2014) Caffeine
consumption in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: retrospective study. Journal of Caffeine Research
4, 9-11.
158.Ribeiro, P.O. Tomé, A.R., Silva, H.B., Cunha, R.A., Antunes, L.M. (2014) Clinically relevant
concentrations of ketamine mainly affect long-term potentiation rather than basal excitatory synaptic
transmission and do not change paired-pulse facilitation in mouse hippocampal slices. Brain Research
1560, 10-17.
157.Garção, P., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A., Agostinho P. (2014) Subsynaptic localization of nicotinic
acetylcholine receptor subunits: a comparative study in the mouse and rat striatum. Neuroscience
Letters 566, 106-110.
156.Carmo, M.R.S., Menezes, A.P.F, Nunes, A.C.L., Pliássova, A., Rolo, A.P., Palmeira, C.M., Cunha,
R.A., Canas, P.M., Andrade, G.M. (2014) The P2X7 receptor antagonist brilliant blue G attenuates
contralateral rotations in a rat model of Parkinsonism through a combined control of synaptotoxicity,
neurotoxicity and gliosis. Neuropharmacology 81, 142-152.
155.Rodrigues, D.I., Gutierres, J., Pliássova, A., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A., Agostinho, P. (2014)
Synaptic and sub-synaptic localization of amyloid-β protein precursor in the rat hippocampus. Journal of
Alzheimer Disease 40, 981-992.
154.Salamone, A., Zappettini, Z., Grilli, M., Olivero, G., Agostinho, P., Tomé, A.R., Chen, J., Pittaluga, A.,
Cunha, R.A., Marchi, M. (2014) Prolonged nicotine exposure down-regulates presynaptic NMDA
receptors in dopaminergic terminals of the rat nucleus accumbens. Neuropharmacology 79, 488-497.
153.Carmo, M.R.S, Simões, A.P., Fonteles, A.A., Souza, C.M., Cunha, R.A., Andrade, G.M. (2014) ATP
P2Y1 receptors control cognitive deficits and neurotoxicity but not glial modifications induced by brain
ischemia in mice. European Journal of Neuroscience 39, 614-622.
152.Shen, H.Y., Canas, P.M., Garcia-Sanz, P., Lan, J.Q., Boison, D., Moratalla, R., Cunha, R.A., Chen,
J.F. (2013) Adenosine A2A receptors in striatal glutamatergic terminals and GABAergic neurons
oppositely modulate psychostimulant action and DARPP-32 phosphorylation. PLoS One 8: e80902.
151.Matos, M., Augusto, E., Agostinho, P., Cunha, R.A., Chen, J.F. (2013) Antagonistic interaction
+
+
between adenosine A2A receptors and Na /K -ATPase-α2 controlling glutamate uptake in astrocytes.
Journal of Neuroscience 33, 18492-18502.
150.Silva, C.D., Neves, A.F., Dias, A.I., Freitas, H.J., Mendes, S.M., Pita, I., Viana, S.D., Oliveira, P.A.,
Cunha, R.A., Ribeiro, C.A.F., Prediger, R.D., Pereira, F.C. (2014) A single neurotoxic dose of
methamphetamine induces a long-lasting depressive-like behaviour in mice. Neurotoxicity Research 25,
295-304.
149.Canas, P.M., Simões, A.P., Rodrigues, R.J., Cunha, R.A. (2014) Predominant loss of glutamatergic
terminal markers in a ß-amyloid peptide model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology, 76, 51-56.
148.Silva, C.G., Métin, C., Fazeli, W., Machado, N.J., Darmopil, S., Launay, P.S., Ghestem, A., Nesa,
M.P., Bassot, E., Szabó, E., Baqi, Y., Müller, C.E., Tomé, A.R., Ivanov, A., Isbrandt, D., Zilberter, Y.,
Cunha, R.A., Esclapez, M., Bernard, C. (2013) Adenosine receptor antagonists including caffeine alter
fetal brain development in mice. Science Translational Medicine 5: 59-70.
147.Soares, E., Prediger, R.D., Nunes, S., Castro, A.A., Viana, S.D., Lemos, C., Souza, C.M., Agostinho,
P.M., Cunha, R.A., Carvalho, E., Ribeiro, C.A.F., Reis, F., Pereira, F.C. (2013) Spatial memory
impairments in a prediabetic rat model. Neuroscience 250, 565-577.
146.Augusto, E., Matos, M., Sévigny, J., El-Tayeb, A., Bynoe, M.S., Muller, C.E., Cunha, R.A., Chen, J.F.
(2013) Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73)-mediated formation of adenosine is critical for the striatal
adenosine A2A receptor functions. Journal of Neuroscience 33, 11390-11399.
145.Wei, C.J., Augusto, E., Gomes, C.A., Singer, P., Wang, Y., Boison, D., Cunha, R.A., Yee, B.K., Chen,
J.F. (2014) Regulation of fear responses by striatal and extrastriatal adenosine A2A receptors in
forebrain. Biological Psychiatry 75, 855-863.
144.Garção, P., Szabó, E.C., Wopereis, S., Castro, A.A., Tomé, A.R., Prediger, R.D., Cunha, R.A,
Agostinho, P., Köfalvi, A. (2013) Functional interaction between presynaptic α6β2-containing nicotinic
and adenosine A2A receptors in the control of dopamine release in the rat striatum. British Journal of
Pharmacology 169, 1600-1611.
143.Aguiar, A.S.Jr, Moreira, E.L.G, Hoeller, A.A., Oliveira, P.A., Córdova, F.M., Glazer, V., Walz, R.,
Cunha, R.A., Leal, R.B., Latini, A., Prediger R.D. (2013) Exercise attenuates L-DOPA-induced
dyskinesias in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Neuroscience 243, 46-53.
142.Gonçalves, N., Simões, A.T., Cunha, R.A., Pereira de Almeida, L. (2013) Caffeine and adenosine A2A
receptor inactivation decrease striatal neuropathology in a lentiviral-based model of Machado-Joseph
disease. Annals of Neurology 73, 655-666.
141.Gomes, C.A., Ferreira, R., George, J., Sanches, R., Rodrigues, D.I., Gonçalves, N., Cunha, R.A.
(2013) Activation of microglial cells triggers a release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
inducing their proliferation in an adenosine A2A receptor-dependent manner. Journal of
Neuroinflammation 10, 16.
140.Espinosa, J., Rocha, A., Nunes, F., Costa, M.S., Schein, V., Kazlauckas, V., Kalinine, E., Souza, D.O.,
Cunha, R.A., Porciúncula, L.O. (2013) Caffeine consumption prevents memory impairment, neuronal
damage and adenosine A2a receptors up-regulation in the hippocampus of a rat model of sporadic
dementia. Journal of Alzheimer Disease 34, 509-518.
139.Simões, A.P., Duarte, J.A., Agasse, F., Canas, P.M., Tomé, A.R., Agostinho, P., Cunha, R.A. (2012)
Blockade of adenosine A2A receptors prevents interleukin-1β-induced exacerbation of neuronal toxicity
through a p38 MAPK pathway. Journal of Neuroinflammation 9, 204.
138.Matos, M., Augusto, E., Machado, N.J., Santos-Rodrigues, A., Cunha, R.A., Agostinho, P. (2012)
Astrocytic adenosine A2A receptors control the β-amyloid peptide-induced decrease of glutamate
uptake. Journal of Alzheimer Disease 31, 555-567.
137.Pandolfo, P., Machado, N.J., Köfalvi, A., Takahashi, R.N., Cunha, R.A. (2013) Caffeine regulates
frontocorticostriatal dopamine transporter density and improves attention and cognitive deficits in an
animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. European Neuropsychopharmacology 23, 317328.
136.Matos, M., Augusto, E., Santos-Rodrigues, A., Schwarzschild, M.A., Chen, J.F., Cunha, R.A.,
Agostinho, P.M. (2012) Adenosine A2A receptors modulate glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes and
gliosomes. Glia 60, 702-16.
135.Duarte, J.M.N., Agostinho, P.M., Carvalho, R.A., Cunha, R.A. (2012) Caffeine consumption prevents
diabetes-induced memory impairment and synaptotoxicity in the hippocampus of NONcNZO10/LtJ
diabetic mice. PLoS One 7, e21899.
134.Duarte, J.M., Ferreira, S.G., Carvalho, R.A., Cunha, R.A., Köfalvi, A. (2012) CB1 receptor activation
inhibits neuronal and astrocytic intermediary metabolism in the rat hippocampus. Neurochemistry
International 60, 1-8.
133.Costa, I.C, Alfaro, T.M., Cunha, R.A., Robalo-Cordeiro, C. (2011) A preliminary study on the effect of
caffeine consumption on the evolution of sarcoidosis. Journal of Caffeine Research 1: 206-212.
132.Costenla, A.R., Diógenes, M.J., Canas, P.M., Rodrigues, R.J., Nogueira, C., Maroco, J., Agostinho,
P.M., Ribeiro, J.A., Cunha, R.A., de Mendonça, A. (2011) Enhanced role of adenosine A2A receptors in
the modulation of LTP in the rat hippocampus upon aging. European Journal of Neuroscience 34, 12-
21.
131.Musante, V., Suma, M., Cunha, R.A., Raiteri, M., Pittaluga, A. (2011) Presynaptic glycine GlyT1
transporter-NMDA receptor interaction: relevance to NMDA autoreceptor activation in the presence of
2+
Mg ions. Journal of Neurochemistry 117, 516-527.
130.Rebola, N., Simões, A.P., Canas, P.M., Tomé, A.R., Andrade, G.M., Barry, C.E., Agostinho, P.M.,
Lynch, M.A., Cunha, R.A. (2011) Adenosine A2A receptors control neuroinflammation and consequent
hippocampal neuronal dysfunction. Journal of Neurochemistry 117, 100-111.
129.Gomes, C.V., Kaster, M.P., Tomé, A.R., Agostinho, P.M., Cunha, R.A. (2011) Adenosine receptors
and brain diseases: neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta Biomembranes 1808, 1380-1399.
128.Pandolfo, P., Silveirinha, V., Santos-Rodrigues, A., Venance, L., Ledent, C., Takahashi, R.N., Cunha,
R.A., Köfalvi, A. (2011) Cannabinoids inhibit the synaptic uptake of adenosine and dopamine in the rat
and mouse striatum. European Journal of Pharmacology 655, 38-45.
127.Martire, A., Tebano, M.T., Chiodi, V., Ferreira, S.G., Cunha, R.A, Köfalvi, A., Popoli, P. (2011)
Presynaptic adenosine A2A receptors control cannabinoid CB1 receptor-mediated inhibition of striatal
glutamatergic neurotransmission. Journal of Neurochemistry 116, 273-280.
126.Agostinho, P.M., Cunha, R.A., Oliveira, C.R. (2010) Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and the
pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Current Pharmacological Design 16, 2766-2778.
125.Gaspar, J.M., Baptista, F.I., Galvão, J., Castilho, A.F., Cunha, R.A., Ambrósio, A.F. (2010) Diabetes
differentially affects the content of exocytotic proteins in hippocampal and retinal nerve terminals.
Neuroscience 169,1589-600.
124.Tomé, A.R., Silva, H., Cunha, R.A. (2010) Role of the purinergic neuromodulation system in epilepsy.
Open Neuroscience Journal 4, 64-83.
123.de Mendonça, A., Cunha, R.A. (2010) Putative neuroprotective effects of caffeine in clinical trials.
Journal of Alzheimer Disease 20 (Supplement 1), S249-S252.
122.de Mendonça, A., Cunha, R.A. (2010) Therapeutic opportunities for caffeine in Alzheimer's disease
and other neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Alzheimer Disease 20 (Supplement 1), S1-S2.
121.Costenla, A.R., Cunha, R.A., de Mendonça, A. (2010) Caffeine, adenosine receptors and synaptic
plasticity. Journal of Alzheimer Disease 20 (Supplement 1), S25-S34.
120.Cunha, R.A., Agostinho, P.M. (2010) Chronic caffeine consumption prevents memory disturbance in
different animal models of memory decline. Journal of Alzheimer Disease 20 (Supplement 1), S95S116.
119.Cognato, G.P., Agostinho, P.M., Hockemeyer, J., Müller, C.E., Souza, D.O., Cunha, R.A. (2010)
Caffeine and adenosine A2A receptor antagonists prevent memory impairment and synaptotoxicity in
adult rats triggered by a convulsive episode in early life. Journal of Neurochemistry 112, 453-462.
118.Quiróz, C., Luján, R., Uchigashima, M., Simões, A.P., Lerner, T.N., Borycz, J., Kachroo, A., Canas,
P.M., Orru, M., Schwarzschild, M.A., Rosin, D.L., Kreitzer, A.C., Cunha, R.A., Watanabe, M., Ferré, S.
(2009) Key modulatory role of presynaptic adenosine A2A receptors in cortical neurotransmission to the
striatal direct pathway. Scientific World Journal 9, 1321-1344.
117.Canas, P.M., Porciúncula, L.O., Cunha, G.M.A., Silva, C.G., Machado, N.J., Oliveira, J.M.A., Oliveira,
C.R., Cunha, R.A. (2009) Adenosine A2A receptor blockade prevents synaptotoxicity and memory
dysfunction caused by β-amyloid peptides via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Journal of
Neuroscience 29, 14741-14751.
116.Duarte, J.M.N., Carvalho, R.A., Cunha, R.A., Gruetter, R. (2009) Caffeine consumption attenuates
neurochemical modifications in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of
Neurochemistry 111, 368-379.
115.Velloso, N.A., Dalmolin, G.D., Gomes, G.M., Rubin, M.A., Canas, P.M., Cunha, R.A., Mello, C.F.
(2009) Spermine improves recognition memory deficit in a rodent model of Huntington's disease.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 92, 574-580.
114.Gomes, C.A.R.V., Simões, P.F., Canas, P.M., Quiroz, C., Sebastião, A.M., Ferré, S., Cunha, R.A.,
Ribeiro, J.A. (2009) GDNF control of the glutamatergic cortico-striatal pathway requires tonic activation
of adenosine A2A receptors. Journal of Neurochemistry 108, 1208-1219.
113.Ferreira, S.G., Lomaglio, T., Avelino, A., Cruz, F., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A., Köfalvi, A. (2009) Nacyldopamines control striatal input terminals via novel ligand-gated cation channels.
Neuropharmacology 56, 676-683.
112.Canas, P.M., Duarte, J.M.N., Rodrigues, R.J., Köfalvi, A., Cunha, R.A. (2009) Modification upon aging
of the density of presynaptic modulation systems in the hippocampus. Neurobiology of Aging 30, 18771884.
111.Cunha, R.A. (2008) Cafeína, receptores de adenosina, memoria y enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Medicina Clinica 131, 790-795.
110.Cunha, R.A., Ferré, S., Vaugeois, J.M., Chen, J.F. (2008) Potential therapeutic interest of adenosine
A2A receptors in psychiatric disorders. Current Pharmaceutical Design 14, 1512-1524.
109.Ferré, S., Quiroz, C., Woods, A.S., Cunha, R.A., Popoli, P., Ciruela, F., Lluis, C., Franco, R., Azdad,
K., Schiffmann, S.N. (2008) An update on adenosine A2A-dopamine D2 receptor interactions.
Implications for the function of G protein-coupled receptors. Current Pharmaceutical Design 14, 14681474.
108.Donato, R., Rodrigues, R.J., Takahashi, M., Tsai, M.C., Soto, D., Miyagi, K., Villafuertes, R.G., Cunha,
R.A., Edwards, F.A. (2008) GABA release by basket cells onto Purkinje cells, in rat cerebellar slices, is
2+
directly controlled by presynaptic purinergic receptors, modulating Ca influx. Cell Calcium 44, 521532.
107.Shen, H.Y., Coelho, J.E., Ohtsuka, N., Canas, P.M., Day, Y.J., Huang, Q.Y., Rebola, N., Yu, L.,
Boison, D., Cunha, R.A., Linden, J., Tsien, J.Z., Chen, J.F. (2008) A critical role of the adenosine A2A
receptor in extra-striatal neurons in modulating psychomotor activity as revealed by opposite
phenotypes of striatum- and forebrain-A2A receptor knockouts. Journal of Neuroscience 28, 2970-2975.
106.Rebola, N., Lujan, R., Cunha, R.A., Mulle, C. (2008) Long-term potentiation of NMDA-EPSCs at
hippocampal mossy fiber synapses: an essential role for adenosine A2A receptors. Neuron 57, 121-134.
105.Cunha, G.M.A., Canas, P.M., Melo, C.S., Hockemeyer, J., Müller, C.E., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A.
(2008) Adenosine A2A receptor blockade prevents memory dysfunction caused by -amyloid peptides
but not by scopolamine or MK-801. Experimental Neurology 210, 776-781.
104.Yu, L., Shen, H.Y., Coelho, J.E., Araújo, I.M., Huang, Q.Y., Day, Y.J., Rebola, N., Canas, P.M., Rapp,
E.K., Ferrara, J., Taylor, D., Müller, C.E., Linden, J., Cunha, R.A., Chen, J.F. (2008) A2A receptors
modulate motor activity and MPTP neurotoxicity by distinct cellular mechanisms. Annals of Neurology
63, 338-346.
103.Silva, A.M., Rodrigues, R.J., Tomé, A.R., Cunha, R.A., Misler, S., Rosário, L.M., Santos, R.M. (2008)
Electrophysiological and immunocytochemical evidence for P2X purinergic receptors in pancreatic βcells. Pancreas 36, 279-283.
102.Cunha, R.A. (2008) Different cellular sources and different roles of adenosine: A1 receptor-mediated
inhibition through astrocytic-driven volume transmission and synapse-restricted A2A receptor-mediated
facilitation of plasticity. Neurochemistry International 52, 65-72.
101.Rodrigues, R.J., Canas, P.M., Lopes, L.V., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A. (2008) Modification of
adenosine receptor modulation of acetylcholine release in the hippocampus of aged rats. Neurobiology
of Aging 29, 1597-1601.
100.Ferré, S., Ciruela, F., Quiroz, C., Luján, R., Popoli. P., Cunha, R.A., Agnati, L.F., Fuxe, K., Woods,
A.S., Lluis, C., Franco, R. (2007) Adenosine receptor heteromers and their integrative role in striatal
function. Scientific World Journal 7(S2), 74-85.
99.Duarte, J.M.N., Oses, J.P., Rodrigues, R.J., Cunha, R.A. (2007) Modification of purinergic signalling in
the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Neuroscience 149, 382-391.
98.Schiffmann, S.N., Fisone, G., Moresco, R., Cunha, R.A., Ferré, S. (2007) Adenosine A2A receptors and
basal ganglia physiology. Progress in Neurobiology 83, 277-292.
97.Silva, C.G., Porciúncula, L.O., Canas, P.M., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A. (2007) Blockade of adenosine
A2A receptors prevents staurosporine-induced apoptosis of rat hippocampal neurons. Neurobiology of
Disease 27, 182-189.
96.Rebola, N., Sachidhanandam, S., Perrais, D., Cunha, R.A., Mulle, C. (2007) Short-term plasticity of
kainate receptor-mediated EPSCs induced by NMDA receptors at hippocampal mossy fiber
synapses.Journal of Neuroscience 27, 3987-3993.
95.Köfalvi, A., Pereira, M.F., Rebola, N., Rodrigues, R.J., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A. (2007) Anandamide
and NADA bi-directionally modulate presynaptic Ca2+ levels and transmitter release in the hippocampus.
British Journal of Pharmacology 151, 551-563.
94.Duarte, J.M.N., Nogueira, C., Mackie, K., Oliveira, C.R., Cunha, R.A., Köfalvi, A. (2007) Increase of
cannabinoid CB1 receptor density in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Experimental Neurology 204, 479-484.
93.Borycz, J., Pereira, M.F., Melani, A., Rodrigues, R.J., Köfalvi, A., Panlilio, L., Pedata, F., Goldberg,
S.R., Cunha, R.A., Ferré, S. (2007) Differential glutamate-dependent and glutamate-independent
adenosine A1 receptor-mediated modulation of dopamine release in different striatal compartments.
Journal of Neurochemistry 101, 355-363.
92.Duarte, J.M.N., Cunha, R.A., Carvalho, R.A. (2007) Different metabolism of glutamatergic and
GABAergic compartments in superfused hippocampal slices characterized by NMR spectroscopy.
Neuroscience 144, 1305-1313.
91.Dall’Igna, O.P., Fett, P., Gomes, M.W., Souza, D.O., Cunha, R.A., Lara, D.R. (2007) Caffeine and
adenosine A2A receptor antagonists prevent β-amyloid (25-35)-induced cognitive deficits in mice.
Experimental Neurology 203, 241-245.
90.Ciruela, F., Ferré, S., Casadó, V., Cortés, A., Cunha, R.A., Lluis, C., Franco, R. (2006) Heteromeric
adenosine receptors: a device to regulate neurotransmitter release. Cellular and Molecular Life
Sciences 63, 2427-2431.
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Chapters in Books
10.Sebastião, A.M., Cunha, R.A. (2012) Sistema Purinérgico. In: Neurociências, eds. C.B. Duarte,
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Quintas, A.P. Freire, M.J. Halpern, pp.599-621, Lidel, Lisboa.
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and Molecular Neurobiology – Neurotransmitter Systems, 3 Edition, eds. A.Lajtha & E.S.Vizi, pp.255273, Springer, New York.
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Letters to the Editor
4.Cunha, R.A. (2003) Heteroexchange of purines in the hippocampus: mixing-up or messing-up ATP and
adenosine. British Journal of Pharmacology 139, 473-474.
st
3.Cunha, R.A. (2001) Brain Research 21 Winter Conference. Investigational Drugs Weekly Highlights 15,
67-70.
2.Cunha, R.A., Cyrne, L., Castanho, M., Freire, A.P. (2000) Meeting report - Biochemical education at the
university level. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 28, 234-237.
1.Cunha, R.A. (1998) On slices, synaptosomes and dissociated neurones to study in vitro ageing
physiology. Trends in Neurosciences 21, 286-287.
COLLABORATIONS (with joint publications)
C.Bernard (INSERM U751, Fac.Médecine Timone, France)
J.F.Chen (Dept.Neurology, Univ.Boston, USA)
F.Ciruela (Fac.Medicine, Univ.Barcelona, Spain)
A. de Mendonça (Fac.Medicine, Univ.Lisbon, Portugal)
S.Ferré (NIDA, USA)
B.B. Fredholm (Karolinska Institute, Sweden)
M.A.Lynch (Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland)
C.Mulle (Inst.Neurosciences Bordeaux, France)
P.J.Richardson (Univ. Cambridge, England)
P.Soares-da-Silva (Fac.Medicine, Univ.Oporto, Portugal)
D.O.Souza (Univ.Fed.Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)
J.M.Vaugeois (Fac.Pharmacy, Univ.Lyon, France)
GRANTS’ LEADING PROMOTER
‘Role of adenosine A2A receptors in different brain circuits differently impact on reward and fear
responses’ (2014 NARSAD Independent Investigator Grant)
‘Role of adenosine A2A receptors in the control of synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex – relevance
for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders’ (Marie-Curie-Cycle-04-2013-PT-04)
‘New treatments for stress-induced dysfunction in circuits regulating depression, post-traumatic stress
disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder’ (DARPA- W911NF-10-1-0059)
‘Role of accumbens and amygdala in the control of chronic stress neuropathology’ (PTDC/SAUNSC/122254/2010)
‘Physiopathological role of ecto-5`-nucleotidase - a new target for neuroprotection’ (PTDC/SAUTOX/122005/2010)
‘Transcriptome, epigenome and proteome dysregulation in human circuits regulating reward, fear, and
habit learning’ (DARPA-BAA-10-55)
‘Ability of a mitochondria improver, berberine, to attenuate Parkinson's disease‘ (Michael J. Fox
Foundation, Rapid Response Innovation Awards, 2011)
‘Control by purines of neuron-glia interaction during neuroinflammation’ (Marie-Curie-Cycle 2-2011-PT)
‘Relevance of P2Y1 receptors in the control of neurodegeneration’ (Programa CNPq / Universidade de
Coimbra / Associação Grupo de Coimbra de Dirigentes de Universidades Brasileiras, 2010)
‘Molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of caffeine to prevent memory loss in animal models’
(Cooperação Científica e Tecnológica FCT/CAPES, 42/2010)
‘Localization and metabolism of APP in relation to the control of synaptic degeneration in animal models
of Alzheimer’s disease’ (PTDC/SAU-NMC/114810/2009)
‘New treatments for stress-induced dysregulation of circuits regulating reward, fear, and habit learning’
(DARPA-09-68-ESR-FP-010)
‘Role of ATP and its P2Y1 receptors in neuroprotection’ (FCT, PTDC/SAU-FCF/100423/2008)
‘Role of adenosine A2A receptors in glutamatergic synapses in the control of synaptic plasticity and
brain damage’ (FCT, PTDC/SAU-NEU/108668/2008)
‘Effect of caffeine and adenosine A2A receptors on stress response: role of adrenal gland modulation’
(FCT, PTDC/SAU-NEU/108110/2008)
‘Role of adenosine A2A receptors in the control of dysfunctions caused by several experimental stress
models’ (Egide/Pessoa, 2008).
‘Functional and pharmacological properties of CB1 and adenosine A2A receptor heteromers’ (SanofiAventis, 2008).
‘Caffeine as a strategy for the prevention of cognitive decline in aging and in experimental models of
Alzheimer’s disease: influence of gender and of trophic factors’ (CAPES/GRICES 176/2007).
‘Interaction between nicotine and caffeine in the basal ganglia – Relevance for Parkinson’s disease’
(FCT, PTDC/SAU-NEU/81064/2006).
‘Effect of purines in the developing hippocampus: consequences for the establishment of circuits
related to learning and memory’ (FCT, PTDC/SAU-NEU/74318/2006).
‘Prevention by caffeine of memory deficits caused by diabetes’ (Fundo Fundação Oriente/Johnson &
Johnson para a Saúde de 2006).
‘Characterization of purinergic receptors in hippocampal mossy fibers – relevance for epilepsy’ (FCT,
POCI/SAU-NEU/59135/2004).
‘Modification by chronic caffeine consumption of adenosine neuromodulation in the hippocampus –
possible relevance for learning and memory’ (POCI/SAU-FCF/59601/2004).
‘Neuroprotection by adenosine receptors: coupling enhanced adenosine formation with A2A receptor
blockade’ (POCI/SAU-FCF/59215/2004).
‘Control by adenosine of neuroinflammation’ (POCI/SAU-NEU/59135/2004).
‘Prevention of β-amyloid damage by adenosine A2A receptor blockade’ (Sociedade Portuguesa de
Neurociências, Bolsa de Estudo Envelhecimento Cerebral e Doença de Alzheimer, 2004).
‘Purinergic modulation of pain sensation: from the periphery to the central nervous system. New
perspectives in analgesic therapy’ (Portuguese-Hungarian Intergovernmental Science and
Technology Cooperation Programme, 2004/2005).
‘Neuroprotection by adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in the CNS: from in vitro to in vivo’ (FCT,
POCTI/FCB/44740/2002).
‘Interaction between nicotinic and purinergic receptors in the hippocampus’ (FCT, POCTI/36372/1999).
'Function of the adenosine A3 receptor in the central nervous system' (FCT, POCTI/FCB/36319/1999).
'Effect of free radicals in neuronal functioning: neuroprotection by adenosine' (Integrated Research
Program, University of Lisbon, 1999)
‘Neuromodulatory interactions between adenosine and arachidonic acid in ageing and hypoxia’
(PRAXIS/PSAU/P/SAU/44/96).
‘Neuromodulation by adenosine: dynamics of extracellular adenosine formation in the hippocampus’
(JNICT, PBIC/C/BIA/2132/95).
’Modulation by adenosine of neuronal communication in the hippocampus’ (Gulbenkian Program of
Investigation Stimulus, 1996).
EDITORIAL BOARDS
2005-... Purinergic Signaling
2008-... European Journal of Neuroscience
2010- Journal of Caffeine Research
REFEREE
Papers: Biochimica Biophysica Acta, Brain Research, British Journal of Pharmacology, Epilepsia,
Epilepsy Research, European Journal of Neuroscience, European Journal of Pharmacology,
Experimental Neurology, FASEB Journal, Glia, Journal of Alzheimer Disease, Journal of Cerebral
Blood Flow and Metabolism, Journal of Neurochemistry, Journal of Neurophysiology, Journal of
Neuroscience, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Journal of Physiology,
Neurochemistry
International,
Neurochemistry
Research,
Neuropsychopharmacology,
Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience, Neuroscience Letters, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Trends in
Neuroscience, Trends in Pharmacology.
Grants’ proposals: Alzheimer’s Association (USA), Biotechnology RTD and demonstration proposals
(European Commission), Concelho de Reitores das Universidades Portuguesas, Programa
Gulbenkian de Estímulo à Investigação, Human Frontiers Science Program, National Science
Foundation (USA), Prémios Pfizer da Academia de Ciências Médicas, PWF Der Wissenschatsfonds
(Austria), Research into Ageing (UK)
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES
Society for Neuroscience (1997-).
Portuguese Society of Neuroscience (1994-).
International Society for Neurochemistry (1993-).
Society for Experimental Biology (1993-1998).
Portuguese Society of Pharmacology (1992-).
Portuguese Society of Biochemistry (1989-).
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Graduation courses:
2001- Participated in the theoretical and practical course of Biochemistry of the Medicine graduation
course at the University of Coimbra.
2007- -Responsible for the course of Cell Biology of Human Development of the Biomedical
Engineering graduation course at the University of Coimbra.
2007- -Responsible for the course of Neuropharmacology of the Biomedical Engineering graduation
course at the University of Coimbra.
2004/05-Participated in the theoretical and practical course of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes of the
Biomedical Engineering graduation course at the University of Coimbra.
2002/08-Participated in the theoretical course of Physiology and of Pharmacology of the Medicine
graduation course at the University of Coimbra.
2002/10-Participated in the theoretical course of Human Development and Molecular and Cellular
Biology II and of Physiological Basis of Biomedical Engineering II of the Biomedical
Engineering graduation course at the University of Coimbra.
1996/01-Responsible for the disciplines of ‘Human Physiology’ and ‘Biochemical Regulation’ included in
the Biochemistry graduation course at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon.
1996/99-Practical course of ‘Biochemistry’ included in the Chemical Technology graduation course at
the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon.
1996/98-Practical course of ‘Biochemistry’ included in the Biology graduation course at the Faculty of
Sciences, University of Lisbon.
1994/01-Responsible for the discipline of ‘Neurochemistry’ for Biochemistry and Biology graduation
courses at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon.
Post-graduation courses:
2010/ -Responsible for the CNC modules of Neurosciences integrated in the Programa de
Doutoramento em Biologia Experimental e Biomedicina at the Center for Neurosciences and
Cell Biology.
2010/ -Member of the Steering Committee of the European Neuroscience Campus Network.
2008/11-Portuguese representative of the European Network Institute.
2008/09-Responsible of the discipline of ‘Neurobiology’ of the PhD course of Clinical Psychology at
the Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Coimbra.
2007/10-Responsible of the course ‘Neurosciences’ of the PhD course of the MIT-Portugal
programme.
2006/10-Teacher of the discipline ‘Biology and Physiology of Aging’ of the Master course of Clinical
Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Coimbra.
2004/07-Teacher of the discipline of ‘Biological Basis of Aging’ of the Master course of Gerontology at
the Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra.
1999/01-Responsible for the discipline of 'Advanced Techniques in Biochemistry' of the Biochemistry
Master courses at the Dept. Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of
Lisbon.
1996/00-Teacher of Master courses: ‘Pharmaceutical Chemistry’ at the Faculty of Pharmacy,
University of Lisbon; ‘Medical Bio-engineering’ at the Faculty of Sciences, University of
Lisbon; ‘Neurosciences’ at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon; 'Public Health' at
the Faculty of Medicine, New University of Lisbon.
Post-graduation training:
2010/---Supervision of 8 post-doctoral fellows (C.V.Gomes, P.M.Canas, N.Gonçalves, J.P.Lopes,
D.Rial, S.Ferreira, A.P.Simões, J.Real)
2008/---Supervision of 12 PhD students (T.Alfaro, E.Augusto, N.J.Machado, S.Silva, M.Carmo,
J.George, F.Queiróz, A.C.Lemos, L.Rodrigues, A.C.Nunes, A.C.Silva, A.Kherkof)
1999/13-Supervision of 10 post-doctoral fellows (A.I.Salgado, G.M.Cunha, L.O.Porciúncula, A.Köfalvi,
G.Ghisolfi, M.P.Kaster, A. Nunes, D.Pochmann, R.S.Prediger, C.Sousa)
1999/13-Supervision of 22 PhD students (L.V.Lopes, T.Almeida, R.J.Rodrigues, J.P.Oses, N.Rebola,
M.P.Kaster, J.M.N.Duarte, G.P.Cognato, P.M.Canas, J.E.Coelho, P.Pandolfo, A.Rodrigues,
C.Silva, N.Gonçalves, A.P.Simões, D.Rial, J.Gutierrez, A.Castro, S.Zappetini, S.Ferreira,
A.Varela, J.Galvão, M.Matos,)
Opponent of PhD thesis at the Universities of Barcelona (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Cambridge (UK),
Coimbra, Dundee (UK), Florianopolis (Brazil), Lisbon, Manitoba (Canada), Oporto, Porto Alegre
(Brazil), Vigo (Spain).