Gene expression signature in canine diffuse multicentric large B-cell lymphoma: predictive and prognostic profile, and therapeutic analysis for drug repurposing

• Grant number: 24/18221-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo Fonseca Alves
• Grantee: Priscila Emiko Kobayashi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In dogs, diffuse multicentric large B-cell lymphoma represents the most common hematopoietic neoplasia. Despite extensive studies about canine lymphoma, there is still a great need for further research evaluating prognostic and predictive factors to improve patient survival outcomes. Besides, there remains an urgent need to develop novel treatments because we remain far from achieving the high survival and cure rates observed in human oncology. Thus, drug repurposing can reduce time, cost and steps for development of new drugs. Therefore, the present research proposes a two-phase study: 1- evaluate and validate a commercially available nCounter® gene expression panel (canine IO Panel) in samples of canine multicentric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, validating the prognostic and predictive value of this panel (previously demonstrated) in a population from Brazil. 2-to perform a drug repurposing analysis based on the molecular profile using bioinformatic tools, establishment and characterization of canine multicentric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to evaluate in vitro drug efficacy identified by bioinformatic. This study will be unprecedented, using Brazilian data that may provide new perspectives and approaches to both national and international veterinary oncology. It will also contribute to international research by offering new data on molecular profiles and novel cell lines that may be used in translational research and comparative studies. Thus, this research aimed to validate a prognostic and predictive panel for canine multicentric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, drug repurposing analysis and in vitro efficacy. (AU)