Investigation of the role of kinesins in cancer cells: Assessment of the viability of medulloblastomas under the influence of Eg5 inhibitors

• Grant number: 24/15428-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Cardoso de Oliveira
• Grantee: Pedro Rafael de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present research project aims to identify possible antitumor compounds that act specifically on the Eg5 protein, a motor protein from the kinesin family, which is related to the advancement of the mitotic process, specifically the separation of mitotic spindles. This relevance occurs since this protein is only present in cells in the mitotic process, so that possible therapeutic interventions targeting this kinesin may present fewer related side effects. However, some of the currently established inhibitors may be targets of cellular resistance or have low clinical efficiency. Therefore, the exploration of new binding sites as possible inhibition targets can overcome such difficulties. Through computational identification tests in databases and chemical similarity screening tools, it will be possible to find compounds that meet this need. Subsequently, biological tests will be conducted to determine their effectiveness in vitro, such as colorimetric, cell migration and wound healing assays, which serve to assess cell viability, especially in a tumor lineage, a medulloblastoma. The results have the potential to add a new substance to the repertoire of Eg5 inhibitors, which could become the object of study for future research in the area.