Scientific Initiation Fellowship in Molecular Oncology

This opportunity will provide training to carry out cell culture techniques, gene expression modulation and different in vitro functional assays to investigate the tumor biology.

 

Project abstract

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma presents several unique characteristics and one of them is the presence of a highly dense and fibrotic stromal microenvironment, which hinders the diffusion of oxygen and the nutrients necessary for the tumor maintenance. This condition generates a hypoxic environment with high metabolic stress, which act as a strong selective pressure for cell survival with a very aggressive potential. As a result of such high metabolic rates, there is an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate a state of oxidative stress essential for the development of tumor cells.

However, it is important to emphasize that the intracellular balance of ROS production and antioxidative capacity is critical to avoid cell cycle arrest and cell death due to intolerable levels of oxidative stress. Since dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) are responsible for the control of MAP kinase activation, it is questioned whether the loss of MAPK activation mechanisms can induce cell death and / or senescence. In this case, massive cell proliferation and loss of negative feedback mechanisms would lead to oxidative stress at highly toxic levels, thus promoting ROS induced cell death. In summary, this project aims to elucidate the role of the DUSPs in oxidative stress control in pancreatic cancer cells.

More information about this fellowship is at: fapesp.br/oportunidades//2095.

Eligible destination country/ies for fellows: Brazil

Eligibility of fellows: country/ies of residence: All

Eligibility of fellows: nationality/ies: All