Tryptophan metabolism in focus: in the skin homeostasis, in melanomas malignancy, in relation to hypoxia and in the characterization of immune cells phenotype.

• Grant number: 15/09618-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Campa
• Grantee: Ana Campa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During the last years, part of the activities of my research group has been concentrated in Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in tumor and immune cells. Among our recent contribution are the optimization and validation of a bioanalytical method for simultaneous detection of 16 metabolites of Trp in biological matrices, the description of IFN-³ effect (an inducer of the main Trp metabolic pathway - kynurenine pathway) in melanomas and stromal skin cells and the identification of Trp metabolic profiles in immune cells. In this project it is our aim to study: (a) if hypoxia causes changes in Trp metabolism; (b) if solar radiation in skin cells can modify Trp metabolic pattern; (c) if the recent description of IFN-³ activity in the control of melanin synthesis in skin cells exposed to solar radiation occurs through Trp metabolites; (d) the malignancy of melanomas and (e) if some Trp metabolites can induce different macrophage phenotypes. (AU)