Effects of physical exercise on tumour energy metabolism in women with Breast Cancer

• Grant number: 20/16278-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• End date: January 02, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Luciane Carla Alberici
• Grantee: Anderson Vulczak
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/07578-0 - EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON MITOCHONDRIAL-DERIVED PEPTIDES IN BREAST CANCER, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

The objective of this research proposal is to identify metabolic pathways modulated by physical exercise on the energy metabolism of the tumor in women diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In Brazil, two women die every hour as a result of Breast Cancer, making the development of more effective therapeutic methods, as well as a better understanding of the biology of Breast Cancer, emerging. Metabolic reprogramming, a characteristic of tumor cells, has been shown to be a potential target in the treatment of Breast Cancer. Changes in tumor energy metabolism are almost exclusively related to mitochondrial dysfunction and evidence has demonstrated the critical role of mitochondria in tumorigenesis and resistance to therapy. In this regard, despite strong evidence of the anti-tumorigenic role of physical exercise, both in the prevention and during treatment, little is known about the impact of physical training on the energy metabolism of human tumors. In addition, it is common for patients to change their routine after a Cancer diagnosis, often reducing physical activity during and after treatment. Nevertheless, we propose an experimental design that allows women diagnosed with Breast Cancer to be treated and followed up through a physical exercise program, from diagnosis and extending for up to six months after surgery. Through technologies such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we intend to identify clusters of mitochondrial metabolites and related gene expression. In this sense, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of physical exercise on tumor energy metabolism, as well as, a better understanding of Cancer biology. In addition, the project has potential for future clinical application and constitutes a unique opportunity for the immediate return of scientific knowledge to the community, in order to corroborate the relationship between science and society, a recurring theme today. (AU)