Novel strategies for eliminating residual tumor cells using epigenetic therapy

• Grant number: 19/23480-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Miriam Galvonas Jasiulionis
• Grantee: Miriam Galvonas Jasiulionis
• Principal researcher abroad: Gangning Liang
• Institution abroad: University of Southern California (USC), United States
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/20775-0 - Non-coding RNAs involved with melanoma genesis and progression, AP.R

Abstract

This proposal aims to strength our hypothesis that epi-drugs, such as demethylating agents, can be an effective treatment for eliminating residual tumor cells by treating both resistant and/or dormant tumor cells (seed) and the microenvironment (soil). The proposal is based on two immunocompetent models: the cellular model of murine melanoma and the model of microenvironment-dependent tumor growth. These two approaches have a parallel with important aspects in the clinics: the first is related to circulating tumor cells remaining after removing a tumor by surgery (residual tumor cells); alternatively, our model of tumor growth from a very small number of tumor cells induced by the presence of a massive number of apoptotic cells has a parallel with tumor cells remaining after treatments inducing massive apoptosis, such as radio- and chemotherapy, which can favor the growth of remaining viable cells. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PAPAIZ, DEBORA D'ANGELO; RIUS, FLAVIA EICHEMBERGER; AYUB, ANA LUISA PEDROSO; ORIGASSA, CLARICE S.; GUJAR, HEMANT; PESSOA, DIOGO DE OLIVEIRA; REIS, EDUARDO MORAES; NSENGIMANA, JEREMIE; NEWTON-BISHOP, JULIA; MASON, CHRISTOPHER E.; et al. Genes regulated by DNA methylation are involved in distinct phenotypes during melanoma progression and are prognostic factors for patients. MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY, v. 16, n. 9, p. 18-pg., 2022-02-04. (19/23480-4, 14/13663-0, 18/20775-0)

RIUS, FLAVIA E.; PAPAIZ, DEBORA D.; AZEVEDO, HATYLAS F. Z.; AYUB, ANA LUISA P.; PESSOA, DIOGO O.; OLIVEIRA, TIAGO F.; LOUREIRO, ANA PAULA M.; ANDRADE, FERNANDO; FUJITA, ANDRE; REIS, EDUARDO M.; et al. Genome-wide promoter methylation profiling in a cellular model of melanoma progression reveals markers of malignancy and metastasis that predict melanoma survival. CLINICAL EPIGENETICS, v. 14, n. 1, p. 20-pg., 2022-12-01. (19/23480-4, 18/20775-0, 14/13663-0)