| Grant number: | 09/54013-0 |
| Support Opportunities: | Multi-user Equipment Program |
| Duration: | February 01, 2011 - July 31, 2013 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology |
| Principal Investigator: | Maria Célia Jamur |
| Grantee: | Maria Célia Jamur |
| Host Institution: | Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil |
| As informações de acesso ao Equipamento Multiusuário são de responsabilidade do Pesquisador responsável | |
| EMU web page: | Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada |
| Type of equipment: | Tipo de Equipamento Multiusuário não informado |
| Manufacturer: | Fabricante não informado |
| Model: | Modelo não informado |
Abstract
In adult organisms, mast cells originate from the precursor cells present in the bone marrow, which migrate to peripheral tissues where they proliferate and mature. Recent studies have shown that these cells participate in pathological disorders of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure and neo-angiogenesis. Some researchers have observed an accumulation of mast cells at sites where tumor angiogenesis is occurring, which suggests that mast cells directly contribute to the process of formation of new blood vessels. Mast cells are involved with tumorigenesis and angiogenesis due to ther production of chemical mediators as well as of certain angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor) that have a chemotactic effect on the mast cells. The objective of our current project is to characterize the relationship between mast cells and the initial phases of tumor angiogenesis. Initially, we will investigate the mediators produced in this phase of angiogenesis, which are responsible for the recruitment of mast cells. Subsequently, we will evaluate whether the increase in the number of mast cells during angiogenesis correlates with tumor progression and whether mediators released by mast cells participate in this process. Preliminary results show that mast cells accumulate at the site where tumor formation initiates and play a role in this process by liberating histamine, chymase, and tryptase, producing cytokines (FGF-α, FGF-β, TGF-β, G-CSF) and metalloproteases. To confirm these results, we will perform in vitro assays using mast cell produced chemical mediators that can act selectively in the formation of blood vessels. The three-dimensional configuration of the blood vessels will be analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. This project will contribute to the development of new treatments to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, tumor progression. (AU)
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