Expression and regulation profile of the gamma receptor activated by peroxisoma proliferators through microRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Grant number: 21/11295-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Grantee: Vitória Scavacini Possebon
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, accounting for 90% of liver-initiated liver cancers, and for 70-80% of all liver cancers. With a very high death rate, liver cancer ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to a family of ligand-activated nuclear receptors that act as transcription factors, regulating the expression of several genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism. Dysregulation of receptor expression signals adapted signals that may favor the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. PPAR³, in addition to regular genes that control lipid metabolism, has ligands that can inhibit or promote cancer development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that act in post-transcriptional regulation of target gene expression, a role in multiple cellular processes. Mistakes from the miRNA target gene, it can act as a tumor suppressor or oncogene. This project aims to validate the relationship between the PPAR³ gene and microRNAs (miR-17-5p and miR 144-3p) in the regulation of their expression, thus contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development and improvement of knowledge in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HCC. As cell lines, HepG2 and Huh7 will be cultivated so that a reverse transfection technique can be performed. After the incubation period, cells will be harvested for RNA and protein extraction and will be performed according to gene expression, microRNA, and protein analysis.(AU)