Study of the effects of the extracellular matrix on the cellular components of the normal and tumoral adrenal gland

• Grant number: 21/05785-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2021
• End date: March 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
• Grantee: Arthur Nascimento da Mota
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/02988-7 - Decoding the impact of microenvironment and signaling pathways in health and disease in brain, adrenal gland and kidney, AP.TEM

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is responsible for structural integrity, cellular communication, transport of molecules and differs biochemically, according to the tissue microenvironment. Biochemical changes in this composition promote different cell signaling in normal tissues and in pathological conditions, such as in the tumor, with impacts on tumor progression. The adrenal gland consists of a cortex, with three zones, glomerulosa, fasciculate and reticulate, and the medulla, surrounded by a fibrous capsule. The modulation of ECM in these different microenvironments can contribute to the development and physiological tissue maintenance. The ECM alteration or modification in the interaction ECM-cells can lead to pathological conditions, such as tumors. Therefore, we propose to establish and maintain 3D organotypic adrenal cultures that mimic the adrenal cortex, using specific ECM components that will be obtained from proteomic analysis (aim that is part of the thematic project to which this project is linked) and paracrine factors known to be important for adrenocortical homeostasis. Therefore, that the establishment of a 3D organotypic culture of the adrenal cortex can mimic the homeostatic adrenal gland in vitro. Through this information, we will be able to develop a 3D cell culture system of adrenocortical tumor cells from patients in the laboratory's biorepository, which will allow the study of new tumor molecular signatures, cellular arrangements, viability and resistance to therapies, which can direct new therapeutic strategies. (AU)