Modulation of expression galectin-3 front of the selective pressures pH and oxygenation: a mechanism for tumor heterogeneity? Evaluation of tumor growth by bioluminescence imaging

• Grant number: 13/08461-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2013
• End date: March 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Roger Chammas
• Grantee: Cristina dos Santos Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira (ICESP). Coordenadoria de Serviços de Saúde (CSS). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tumors generally have a monoclonal origin, although there is significant heterogeneity among different tumors and also between individual tumor cells. Genetic and epigenetic alterations accumulated in the genome of the cells are important factors for this variability, modulating gene expression and protein synthesis, which are important for the phenotype of transformed cells. This modulation contributes to the survival, adaptation, and proliferation of tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment. Galectin-3 is related to several cellular processes important for tumor progression due to its ability to bind to many different molecules. Studies indicate that there is some variation in gene expression and protein levels of galectin-3 in tumor cells at different stages of tumor development. Considering the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, among individual cells, and the role of galectin-3 in tumor development, this study aims to use a non-invasive tool for assessing tumor growth through luminescence imaging, evaluating tumor growth from galectin-3 positive cells, galectin-3 negative cells, and from a mixed population composed of both galectin-3 positive and negative cells at different proportions. We also intend to analyze whether the lack of galectin-3 and/or its presence at different proportions confer a growth advantage to murine melanomas.(AU)