Evaluation of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression in canine cutaneous squamous cell Carcinomas

• Grant number: 21/13032-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo de Francisco Strefezzi
• Grantee: Johanna Mettler
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/11633-3 - Investigating the expression and biological activity of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme in prostatic carcinoma, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) represent up to 10% of all skin tumors and their occurrence is mainly associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They are classified into four degrees of differentiation, according to their morphology and keratinization. Surgical removal is usually sufficient for the treatment of cutaneous SCCs in dogs, however, the development of therapies for the treatment of non-removable SCCs is still needed. NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative stress and has several roles related to carcinogenesis, whether pro- or antitumor. Its properties as a biomarker and drug target for the treatment of certain tumors have been investigated, but its effect on canine cutaneous SCC has not yet been unveiled. The aim of this research project is to characterize the expression of NQO1 in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and investigate its value as a prognostic indicator for the disease. Therefore, the expression of NQO1 will be verified by immunohistochemistry in 50 samples of canine cutaneous SCCs. The results will be compared with the different histological grades of SCCs, post-surgical survival of the animals, and the occurrence of recurrences.(AU)