Exploring new molecules and their interactions in prostate biology

• Grant number: 13/22071-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: April 01, 2014
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Hernandes Faustino de Carvalho
• Grantee: Christian Solis Calero
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 09/16150-6 - Androgen regulation, sinalization and cellular interactions in prostate development, physiology and regression, AP.TEM

Abstract

Previous work in the laboratory identified new molecules and possible interactions which will be investigated in deep, using a computacional, computer modeling and molecular docking. In the first case, we will investigate structural aspects of ps20, coded by the WFDC1 gene and expressed in smooth muscle cells and implicated in a series of functions such as angiogenesis. Focus on structural variations due to exon 3 deletion, and localization of two peptides (P6 and P8), with biological activity, in the protein 3D structure. In a second case, the docking of 17b-estradiol and inhibitory capacity of cathepsin-D activity will be investigated. Finally, we will perform a detailed study of the structural association between prototype heparan sulfates and the protein Noggin, inhibitor of BMP/TGFbeta, with implications in prostate development and tumor progression.