Evaluation of the Intracellular Localization of the hybrid[10]-Gingerol-AMCA in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

• Grant number: 24/22119-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Márcia Regina Cominetti
• Grantee: Arthur Deponte Zutião
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm affecting women worldwide and can be categorized into various subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors and the HER2 receptor. Due to these cellular features, TNBC lacks targeted therapies, making the search for new treatment options a critical priority to improve both the life expectancy and quality of life of affected individuals by reducing the side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Natural products have emerged as a promising source for discovering new therapeutic molecules, and previous studies by our research group have demonstrated the efficacy of the [10]-gingerol (10G) molecule, highlighting its cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects in vitro and anti-metastatic activity in vivo in TNBC cells. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its mode of action remain unclear, and further investigation is necessary to understand how these effects translate to its observed in vivo antitumor and anti-metastatic properties. This project seeks to evaluate the intracellular localization of 10G, correlating its cellular accumulation with its biological activity, thus advancing its potential as a novel drug candidate in alignment with patents already filed by our research group. (AU)