EXPLORING MELANOMA-STROMA COMMUNICATION THROUGH ORGANOID MODELS

• Grant number: 25/12285-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 31, 2025
• End date: October 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: André Zelanis Palitot Pereira
• Grantee: Uilla Barcick
• Supervisor: Abdelouahab Elghalbzouri
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) , Netherlands
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/05087-3 - Evaluation of the effect of heterotypic signaling on tumor phenotype modulation in Melanoma, BP.DD

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment plays a central role in melanoma progression, particularly through interactions with stromal components such as endothelial cells. While 2D co-culture systems offer valuable insights into tumor-stroma crosstalk, they fail to fully recapitulate the complexity of in vivo tissues. In this project, we aim to develop an advanced three-dimensional (3D) melanoma-vascular organoid model that mimics the architecture and cellular heterogeneity of human skin tumors. Using HUVEC-CS and SH-4 cell lines, we have performed preliminary 2D functional assays-including migration, viability, colony formation, and tube-like formation assays-to investigate the influence of tumor- and co-culture-conditioned media. Results indicate a strong proangiogenic effect induced by melanoma-derived factors. Building upon these findings, we propose the construction of full-thickness skin organoids incorporating endothelial and melanoma cells, as well as key stromal components, to better replicate the tumor microenvironment. This 3D organoid platform will enable the study of tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and therapeutic response in a more physiologically relevant context, ultimately contributing to the advancement of personalized oncology and preclinical drug screening. (AU)