Analysis of the expression of Beclin-1 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours by immunoelectron microscopy

• Grant number: 21/14065-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo de Francisco Strefezzi
• Grantee: Giovanna Pedroso Vicente
• Supervisor: Leonardo Della Salda
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Teramo (UniTE), Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/02772-7 - Analysis of the expression of Beclin-1 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, BP.IC

Abstract

Cutaneous mast cell tumour (MCT) is the second most frequent malignant neoplasm in dogs. It is a tumour of heterogeneous macroscopic features and variable biological behaviour. Despite having useful prognostic markers, such as histopathological grade and proliferation markers, a search for more specific and precise indicators is still necessary. The successive changes promoted by autophagy can directly contribute to tumour progression, development and growth, modulating the intratumoral microenvironment and enabling the progression of the neoplastic disease. Beclin-1 acts as an important inducer of autophagy and has been identified as a possible tumour growth suppressor. However, in some cases, autophagy becomes an advantage for the neoplastic cell, which becomes able to activate the dormancy process. Studies on autophagy and the role of this protein in veterinary oncology are scarce. The aim of the present project is to characterize Beclin-1 expression in canine MCTs and to compare their expression patterns with histopathological grading, mitotic index, mortality due to disease and post-surgical survival. Therefore, canine MCT histological samples will be submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for Beclin-1 detection. During the Research Internship Abroad, at the University of Teramo, Italy, the ultrastructure of the neoplastic mast cells will be investigated using electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, in order to better characterize the autophagic vacuoles and localize Beclin-1. The percentages of positive cells in each case will be compared with the histopathological grades, survival and mitotic index to determine the potential of this protein as a prognostic marker for MCTs. (AU)