3D models and cell co-cultures of endometriosis for studies of new drugs

• Grant number: 25/27299-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Giselle Cerchiaro
• Grantee: Julia Amendola Coelho
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/11943-8 - Involvement of copper in biomolecules damage - use of copper(II) complexes in cell culture models simulating the tumor microenvironment, AP.R

Abstract

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition diagnosed in approximately 15% of the female population of reproductive age. It results in immunological and inflammatory disorders linked to oxidative stress arising from the ectopic presence of endometrial cells. Current treatments focus on symptom alleviation but are associated with high recurrence rates and side effects. Since 1920, various theories regarding the pathology have emerged; however, the cellular and molecular interactions driving its progression remain incompletely elucidated, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches that explore the relationship between the disease and oxidative stress.3D cell culture is an advanced technique that better mimics human tissues in both normal and pathological contexts compared to 2D culture. Consequently, 3D endometriosis co-cultures incorporating macrophages enhance the complexity of in vitro models, as these immune cells can influence disease progression and treatment response. Therefore, this project aims to develop a triple co-culture model of endometriosis to evaluate how the interaction between epithelial (Ishikawa and 12Z), stromal (T-HESC), and immune (THP-1) cell lines affects the inflammatory status, viability, migration capacity, and oxidative state of the cells. Subsequently, the effect of novel copper(II) complexes with Schiff base ligands on this cellular dynamics will be evaluated, with the aim of characterizing their potential mechanisms of action in vitro. (AU)