Multi-User equipament approved : Fluorescence Microscope Leica THUNDER Imager 3D Assay

• Grant number: 22/04154-1
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Soraya Soubhi Smaili
• Grantee: Soraya Soubhi Smaili
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/02821-8 - Autophagy modulation by cannabinoids: neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease, AP.TEM

Abstract

The process of macroautophagia (autophagy) has been the focus of studies on various topics such as neurodegeneration, immune system, inflammation and cancer. In this way, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that modulate autophagy is fundamental. In fact, these studies may help in the identification of important targets for the development of new drugs and therapies. In progressive neurodegenerative disorders, long-term or cure treatments are not yet available. At the same time, these have gained relevance with the increasing aging of the world population. It is known that autophagy is capable of promoting the improvement of toxicity induced by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, but may also contribute to the elimination of malformed proteins. Many authors have presented concrete evidence of autophagic action in neuroprotection and research safe tools to induce it in patients. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disease. Evidence shows that there is a correlation between changes in autophagic processes and PD. In this sense, the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates (Lewy bodies, the main pathological marker of PD) has been shown to reduce autophagy, aggravating PD-related neurodegenerative processes. Cannabinoid substances such as delta-9-THC and cannabidiol have shownneuroprotective potential and in vitro studies suggest a beneficial effect on neurodegeneration underlying PD. Preliminary data from our laboratories indicate that cannabidiol may have a pro-autophagic effect which reduces behavioral alterations related to PD. However, the mechanisms of the relationship between cannabidiol,autophagy and PD need to be studied. Thus, the aim of this project will be to investigate the role of cannabinoids as potential modulators of autophagy in vitro and in vivo models of PD. The neuroprotective effects of different cannabinoids will be studied. In addition, the induction and modulation of autophagic signaling pathways and their ability to promote neuroprotection will be investigated and translated to studies in patients. (AU)