Insights on gene expression modulation aiming cellular reprogramming: experience acquisition in in vitro studies for further generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in animal models

• Grant number: 23/08105-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
• Grantee: Nayanne Sant Clair Cardoso da Silva
• Supervisor: Marcos Simões Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Harvard University, Boston, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/07318-5 - Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from adult camelid cells followed by differentiation into a muscle cell line, BP.IC

Abstract

The present proposal aims for an internship at Prof. Simões-Costa laboratory (Harvard Medical School), which has been a world reference in the study of gene expression during embryonic development and, therefore, of great importance regarding stem cells and its applications for the analysis of disease models, drugs, compression of the developmental mechanisms, among others. It is proposed to keep up with the lab's activities regarding how gene regulatory networks can transform cell identity to generate specialized tissues. Specifically, it is proposed to create, in an unprecedented way, a vector harboring species-specific reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4) with the hypothesis to enable the complete reprogramming in non-conventional species, such as camelids, the focus of the ongoing scholarship in Brazil. Such an opportunity will allow for the development of innovative approaches and strategies by learning new methodologies and techniques and access to resources and equipment, which are essential for the progress of the ongoing study and future others. In addition, it aims to increase the knowledge of cellular and molecular aspects of pluripotent cells for later application of such technology to optimize cellular studies in Brazil. Such expertise will be essential for optimizing the current protocols for fully reprogramming in animal cells, including greater efficiency regarding in vitro induced reprogramming (generation of iPSCs) from models other than mice and humans. The aimed Institution has an important impact on international research; moreover, the previous expertise in developmental mechanisms and stem cells will enable to direct studies and elucidate the initial questions, including the possibility of boosting advanced reproductive technologies, such as the possibility of in vitro generation of embryos and gametes, which processes are yet unreported in the literature; however, they might play an important role in the Brazilian economy in the future. (AU)