Role of Snail and Slug transcription factors in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in germ cell tumors

• Grant number: 20/13286-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Mariana Tomazini Pinto
• Grantee: Lorrayne Pereira Ramos
• Host Institution: Hospital do Câncer de Barretos. Fundação Pio XII (FP). Barretos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by loss of expression of epithelial cell markers and acquisition of mesenchymal markers, as well as gain of invasive and migratory cell properties. This transition can be induced by different transcription factors, including Snail and Slug. Once these transcription factors are activated, the E-cadherin gene transcription is inhibited and the occurrence of a series of events that culminate in EMT. Several studies have demonstrated the expression of Snail and Slug in different types of cancer; however, the role of these transcriptional factors has not been elucidated in Germ Cell Tumors (GCT). Thus, the aim of this project is to evaluate the role of Snail and Slug transcription factors in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in germ cell tumors. For this, the inhibition of the Snail and Slug will be carried out in the TCGs strains and the gene and protein expression of the EMT markers will be evaluated by PCR in real time and Western Blot, respectively. The cell migration capacity will also be evaluated in the strains that suffered Snail and Slug inhibition. Therefore, the development of this project may contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms related to EMT and that are associated with the progression of cancer, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, the results found here can contribute to new knowledge and the development of new therapeutic approaches.