Guilherme Costa

My research focuses on the spatial regulation of gene expression in the context of endothelial biology. I investigate how RNAs are transported in endothelial cells, how protein synthesis is regulated within subcellular domains and how these mechanisms regulate blood vessel development and function.

RNA localisation and localised protein synthesis are fundamental steps between gene transcription and protein activity. This mode of post-transcriptional control of gene expression has major implications in cell behaviour and function. I am interested in understanding how such aspects of RNA biology within endothelial cells regulate blood vessels during development and disease. Thus, I investigate 1) the mechanisms underlying the transport of RNAs to particular subcellular regions in endothelial cells, 2) the role of localised protein translation from targeted messenger RNAs in endothelial cell biology and 3) how VEGF signalling may orchestrate both RNA localisation and local translation. To address these themes, I combine in vitro and in vivo models with imaging and molecular biology approaches that allow testing whether such subcellular events of the RNA life cycle participate in crucial aspects of endothelial function. Ultimately, these studies will contribute to further understanding complex biological processes underpinning blood vessel formation, maintenance and pathology.

Developmental biology

Vascular biology

RNA localisation

Local protein synthesis

2019 Lecturer in Endothelial Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, UK

2017 Dean’s Prize: Early Career Researcher Award, University of Manchester, UK

2011 PhD in Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, UK

2018 Academic tutor, Biomedical Sciences, University of Manchester, UK

2017 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK