Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as an element of the mechanisms of action of tauroursodeoxycholic bile acid (TUDCA)

• Grant number: 19/23951-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2020
• End date: February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Helena Cristina de Lima Barbosa
• Grantee: Lucas Rodolfo de Oliveira Rosa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction is an important step of the establishment and progression of diabetes mellitus. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the subsequent deflagration of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is a process that can lead to cell dysfunction and death. Thus, the search for techniques capable of minimizing es stress is useful as an adjuvant for the treatment against diabetes mellitus. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a compound with anti-ER stress capabilities, as well as capable of promoting the general improvement of pancreatic beta cell function. However, its mechanisms of action are still not completely understood. The FAK protein is an important component of cellular adhesion, and also plays a key role in cellular survival. Thus, our hypothesis is that FAK may be part of TUDCAs mechanisms of action against the deleterious consequences of ER stress. Preliminary data, from my Masters degree project, seem to corroborate this hypothesis. Thus, in this PhD project, we hope to explore this possible role of FAK even deeper, investigating possible receptors involved with TUDCA-FAK signaling, as well as possible downstream elements, like the ERK1/2 and PI3K-Akt pathways. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ROSA, LUCAS RODOLFO DE OLIVEIRA; VETTORAZZI, JEAN FRANCIESCO; ZANGEROLAMO, LUCAS; CARNEIRO, EVERARDO MAGALHAES; BARBOSA, HELENA CRISTINA DE LIMA. UDCA receptors and their role on pancreatic beta cell. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, v. 167, p. 26-31, DEC 2021. (19/23951-7, 12/14993-9, 15/12611-0, 13/07607-8, 18/06363-1)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ROSA, Lucas Rodolfo de Oliveira. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) participates in tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)'s mechanism of action against endoplasmic reticulum stress in pancreatic beta cell line INS-1E. 2024. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia Campinas, SP.