Effect of eEF2K on energy sources metabolism in Group 3 Medulloblastoma cells

• Grant number: 24/06469-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Alberto Scrideli
• Grantee: Jessica Oliveira de Santis
• Supervisor: Poul Sorensen
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of British Columbia, Vancouver (UBC), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/10669-1 - Molecular and functional characterization of eEF2K in pediatric medulloblastoma, BP.DR

Abstract

Medulloblastoma (MB) represents ~20% of all pediatric central nervous system malignancies. Group 3 tumors are considered the most aggressive forms of MB and are associated with the worst prognosis. Group 3 tumors also display increased metabolic activity, which is induced by malignant transformation to promote tumor cells' survival. Under conditions of cellular stress in the tumor microenvironment, such as acute nutrient deprivation and hypoxia, cells activate stress-response proteins like the eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) to help maintain the energy generation to expenditure ratio. Activation of eEF2K leads to decreased energy consumption, allowing the cells to survive in unfavorable conditions. Metabolic reprogramming has been suggested as a promising therapeutic target for different tumors, including MB. This project aims to elucidate the role of eEF2K in the metabolism of Group 3 MB cells. The data generated will contribute to the understanding of how tumor cells can survive under conditions of cellular stress.