Dr. Sandra Vaz

About me

Prof. Sandra Vaz obtained her Ph.D. from the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa (FMUL), where she investigated the modulation of GABA transporters in astrocytes by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). She subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Lisbon, focusing on astrocyte-mediated regulation of synaptic plasticity. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at FMUL and a Research Team Leader at the Neurosciences Unit at Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa. Her research expertise lies in astrocyte-neuron communication, particularly within the framework of the tripartite synapse. She investigates astrocytic regulation of synaptic activity under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, with a particular focus on Absence Epilepsy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Prof. Vaz has developed significant expertise in GABA transporters, BDNF/TrkB signaling, and the modulation of the adenosinergic system in astrocytes and neurons. Her research is driven by an interest in cellular calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling and employs advanced electrophysiological techniques, including patch-clamp recordings, excitatory postsynaptic potential analysis, and microelectrode array (MEA) system recordings, as reflected in her publication record.