Modulation of the Egf signaling pathway by the alternative oxidase

• Grant number: 25/05916-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Túlio de Oliveira
• Grantee: Débora Micalli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06711-2 - Modulation of tissue growth and biomass accumulation by the mitochondrial alternative oxidase, AP.JP2

Abstract

Drosophila melanogaster has been widely used as a model organism in the study of various human diseases, because of the homology of its genes with human genes, its short life cycle, the possibility of studying all stages of development (larval, pupal, and adult), and its low maintenance cost. Thus, studies with Drosophila melanogaster and the alternative oxidase (AOX) enzyme, a component of the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS), have been proven evidence of its therapeutic potential. For this reason, the aim of this project is to use Drosophila as a cancer model, in order to analyse the structure of wing imaginal disc due to continuous activation of the Egfr (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) gene leads to uncontrolled growth of this structure, in addition this gene serves as a biomarker for mutations associated with the disordered proliferation of epithelial tissues. In the direction of evaluate whether AOX expression in the wing imaginal disc interferes in the organ growth in the context of cellular over proliferation, double-transgenic lines will be created by combining the AOX transgene with Egfr transgenes. The lines development over the six-months project period will be used in the following stage, that the intention is to deepen molecular and cellular analyses to acquire comprehension if and how AOX interferes with the cell over proliferation caused by excessive stimulation of the Egf pathway. Therefore, given the global increase in cancer incidence, investing in research that contributes to the development of more effective therapies is crucial for public health.