Using small molecule libraries and high throughput screening to identify new inhibitory compounds to manage mucoepidermoid carcinomas from the salivary glands

• Grant number: 21/13381-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Pablo Agustin Vargas
• Grantee: Luan César da Silva
• Supervisor: Rogério Moraes Castilho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Michigan, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/06597-5 - Disrupting tumor resistance through therapy targeting depletion of cancer stem cells in Salivary Mucoepidermoid Carcinomas, BP.DR

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignancy from the salivary glands. The management of MEC follows similar protocols used in other malignancies from the salivary glands. Our previous results presented new therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSC) from MEC. However, new approaches are needed due to radiotherapy toxicities and resistance against the current chemotherapy (Cisplatin), found mainly by CSC. Recently, we demonstrated that epigenetic events have been shown to play an important role in MEC behavior. Based on the current lack of a therapy developed exclusively for MEC, we are proposing to evaluate an Epigenetics Compound Library ("epi-drugs") to identify new pharmacological agents capable of impacting the growth of MEC. Here, we will investigate the "epi-drugs" in 2D and 3D culture models, by High-precision liquid handler and high-throughput assays. Proliferation, migration, and tumorspheres will be evaluated by functional assays. We expect to identify active molecules and define the target population that will most likely benefit from the therapy. (AU)