Happy to share that a project with the participation of BioSIM was selected for funding through Gilead Génese 2024 Program. This project entitled “INVEST – ExplorINg VGF receptor as a ThErapeutic target for Breast Cancer Brain MetaSTases” will be led by Ana Sofia Ribeiro from the “Cancer Metastasis” group at i3S, and will focus on one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer treatment: brain metastases.
Despite scientific advances, the researcher explains, the therapeutic options to combat the spread of breast cancer to the brain are still limited, making it urgent to develop new effective approaches and offer quality of life to patients and their families.
The team will focus on the VGF protein, already identified by this i3S group as a crucial element in the process of brain metastasis formation. This protein plays a decisive role in the communication between tumor cells and the brain, facilitating disease progression. Therefore, in addition to deepening the knowledge about its role, the project will test pharmacological compounds capable of blocking its harmful effects.
To develop the project, the team, which includes Sérgio F. Sousa from the BioSIM group at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), will conduct tests using computational models and in vitro experimental models, as well as pre-clinical in vivo studies, aiming to prove the efficacy of these compounds in inhibiting brain metastasis. The goal is that these therapeutic approaches can be implemented in clinical practice.
The Gilead GÉNESE Program is one of the largest corporate social responsibility initiatives in the healthcare sector in Portugal. In 2024, the program is celebrating its 10th edition, offering grants of up to 40,000 euros per project for research and community initiatives. This program aims to promote knowledge generation and contribute to the advancement of science and the development of good health practices in Portugal. Since its inception in 2013, the program has supported over 100 projects from about 50 institutions, with total funding exceeding 2.5 million euros. For the 10th Edition of the Gilead GÉNESE Program, 51 national projects were submitted, 27 in research and 20 in community intervention, submitted by academic entities, the National Health Service, and civil society groups. Five research projects and five community intervention projects were selected.
