Evaluation of the effects of NT157, a multi-target inhibitor, in pancreatic cancer models

• Grant number: 23/15950-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - General Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: João Agostinho Machado Neto
• Grantee: Karina Mitiko Umezu Akiyama
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer ranks 14th among the most globally incident cancer types and stands out for its lethality. Its high mortality rate is linked to late detection, as it rarely exhibits symptoms in the early stages. Studies indicate that the signaling pathways IGF1R, STAT3 AND PI3K/AKT play crucial roles in tumor proliferation, growth and survival. IGF1R is involved in regulation cell growth. STAT3 is a protein that affects the expression of genes related to survival, while the PI3K/AKT pathway influences protein synthesis and cell growth. Recent research suggests that the drug NT157 impacts these pathways, suggesting potential antineoplastic activity. Our expectation is to underscore the significance of IGF1R-mediated signaling in pancreatic cancer, elucidate antineoplastic effects, and propose a new drug to complement the therapeutic arsenal for pancreatic cancer treatment.