Publications by authors named "Paulo Thiago Souza-Santos"

Article Synopsis
  • Homeobox genes are important for organ development and differentiation, and in humans, they are divided into four clusters (HOXA, HOXB, HOXC, HOXD).
  • This study focused on the role of these genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), finding that while mutations were rare, seven specific homeobox genes were significantly different in ESCC tissues compared to non-cancerous ones.
  • The study revealed that these genes' dysregulation may affect cancer pathways and is linked to poor survival rates, suggesting their potential as prognostic biomarkers and targets for new therapies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most frequent head and neck tumor. Prognosis of patients with LSCC has not improved in recent decades, showing a need for the identification of prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. Recently, we showed that ALCAM overexpression was associated with glottic LSCC prognosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease that mostly affects underserved populations. Although it has been largely eliminated, still about 200'000 new patients are diagnosed annually. In the absence of a diagnostic test, clinical diagnosis is often delayed, potentially leading to irreversible neurological damage and its resulting stigma, as well as continued transmission.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumors present different biological behavior and prognosis, suggesting specific molecular mechanisms underlying their development. However, they are rarely considered as single entities (particularly head and neck subsites) and share the most common genetic alterations. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the global DNA methylation differences among UADT tumors.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced carcinogenesis comprises alterations in the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their regulators. Reversion-inducing Cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) inhibits the activation of specific metalloproteinases and its expression is frequently lost in human cancers. Here we analyzed the role of RECK in cervical carcinogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Changes in protein levels in different components of the apical junctional complex occur in colorectal cancer (CRC). Claudin‑3 is one of the main constituents of tight junctions, and its overexpression can increase the paracellular flux of macromolecules, as well as the malignant potential of CRC cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of claudin‑3 and its prognostic value in CRC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with high mortality rates. PDAC initiation and progression are promoted by genetic and epigenetic dysregulation. Here, we aimed to characterize the PDAC DNA methylome in search of novel altered pathways associated with tumor development.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most incident tumors in the world, especially in developing countries, such as Brazil. Different from other tumors, LSCC prognosis did not improve during the past four decades. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop biomarkers that can predict LSCC patient's prognosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a poor prognosis and lacks targeted treatment options, prompting a study to identify potential therapeutic targets through transcriptome analysis of tumor and surrounding nonmalignant samples.
  • The transcription factor FOXM1 was highlighted due to its role in essential biological processes and was found to bind to a specific promoter, indicating it regulates gene expression relevant to ESCC.
  • Further analysis showed that overexpression of FOXM1 and its target PIK3R3 activates the PIK3/AKT pathway, with both being linked to poor prognosis in ESCC patients, although only PIK3R3 was an independent prognostic factor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most frequent esophageal tumor in the world. ESCC presents late diagnosis, highly aggressive behavior and poor survival. Changes in tumor cell energy metabolism appear to have a prominent role in malignant transformation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) shows a 5-year survival rate below 10%, demonstrating the urgency in improving its treatment. Alterations in epidermal growth factor receptors are closely related to malignancy transformation in a number of tumors and recent successful targeted therapies have been directed to these molecules. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the expression of EGFR and HER2 and evaluated EGFR mutation profile as well as the presence of mutations in hotspots of KRAS and BRAF in ESCC patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Stannous chloride (SnCl(2)) and UVA induce DNA lesions through ROS. The aim of this work was to study the toxicity induced by UVA preillumination, followed by SnCl(2) treatment. E.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF