INFORMAZIONI SU
TINTOR Erna
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Supervisore: Prof.ssa Rapozzi Study of NO conjugate photoactivatable compounds for simultaneous oxidative stress-triggered cellular imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) |
| The characteristics of triple-negative TNBC cells impose a challenge in developing a targeted therapy. In contrast to most other BC subtypes, TNBC does not respond to endocrine or human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies. In the search for a potential target, it has been found that overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in TNBC has been found to be associated with inflammation and metastasis. Nitric oxide (NO) levels are known to play a complex role in the progression and survival of TNBC and other cancers, with low levels promoting tumor resistance and survival, while high levels lead to tumor arrest. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the synergistic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and NO using novel molecules combining photosensitizers and NO donors. The subcellular compartmentalization and antitumor activity of NO-conjugated photoactivatable compounds (PCs) will be investigated in 2D cell culture. An array of different assays will be performed to identify the mechanisms of cell death, but also cell migration and invasiveness in PDT/PC-treated cells. The effects of PDT on molecular signalling pathways modulated by different NO levels will also be investigated. | |