Phenotypic profiling based on high content analysis applied to the development of therapeutic strategies for dormant breast cancer cells

• Grant number: 22/09246-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
• Grantee: Thais de Moraes Lacerda
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/05833-8 - SCREENING FUNCTIONAL REGULATORS OF G0 ARREST-PROLIFERATION DECISIONS USING SIRNA, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer death, mainly due to metastatic events that spread the disease to other organs. Another important aspect related to the metastatic process and tumor aggressiveness is the dormancy mechanism, which keeps these neoplastic cells in a quiescent state and gives them the power to resist conventional therapies. Multiple genetic abnormalities are often present in cancer, leading to dysfunctions in metabolism, signaling pathways, and other important cellular processes. One of the categories of molecules affected by anomalies are kinases, enzymes essential for proper cellular functioning, which are involved in the process of protein phosphorylation. Our project aims to understand the biology and molecular mechanisms involved in the quiescence process of breast tumor cells by exposure to a library of kinase inhibitors, chemotherapeutic drugs and nanoparticles, in order to sensitize dormant cancer cells. To detect these changes, we will use the multiparametric phenotypic profiles of individual cells obtained through fluorescence microscopy images. The analysis and grouping of these parameters will be done using data science tools such as machine learning. This approach aims to develop a robust platform that will allow us to understand the biology of cancer and generate more effective therapeutic strategies in the fight against breast cancer.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GONCALVES, SAYENY DE AVILA; CECCATO, BRUNO TELLI; MORAES-LACERDA, THAIS; DE JESUS, MARCELO BISPO; DE LA TORRE, LUCIMARA GAZIOLA; VIEIRA, RONIERIK PIOLI. Synthesis of poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] grafting from cellulose nanocrystals for DNA complexation employing a 3D-twisted cross-sectional microchannel microfluidic device. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 305, p. 13-pg., 2025-05-01. (22/09246-1, 22/02728-0)