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- Identification of novel DNA methylation prognostic biomarkers for AML with normal cytogeneticsPublication . Cardoso, Cândida; Pestana, Daniel; Gokuladhas, Sreemol; Marreiros, Ana; Justin M. O'Sullivan; Binnie, Alexandra; Teotónio Fernandes, Mónica Alexandra; Castelo-Branco, PedroPURPOSE AML is a hematologic cancer that is clinically heterogeneous, with a wide range of clinical outcomes. DNA methylation changes are a hallmark of AML but are not routinely used as a criterion for risk stratification. The aim of this study was to explore DNA methylation markers that could risk stratify patients with cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML), currently classified as intermediate-risk.MATERIALS AND METHODSDNA methylation profiles in whole blood samples from 77 patients with CN-AML in The Cancer Genome Atlas (LAML cohort) were analyzed. Individual 5'-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3' (CpG) sites were assessed for their ability to predict overall survival. The output was validated using DNA methylation profiles from bone marrow samples of 79 patients with CN-AML in a separate data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus.RESULTSIn the training set, using DNA methylation data derived from the 450K array, we identified 2,549 CpG sites that could potentially distinguish patients with CN-AML with an adverse prognosis (intermediate-poor) from those with a more favorable prognosis (intermediate-favorable) independent of age. Of these, 25 CpGs showed consistent prognostic potential across both the 450K and 27K array platforms. In a separate validation data set, nine of these 25 CpGs exhibited statistically significant differences in 2-year survival. These nine validated CpGs formed the basis for a combined prognostic biomarker panel, which includes an 8-CpG Somatic Panel and the methylation status of cg23947872. This panel displayed strong predictive ability for 2-year survival, 2-year progression-free survival, and complete remission in the validation cohort.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights DNA methylation profiling as a promising approach to enhance risk stratification in patients with CN-AML, potentially offering a pathway to more personalized treatment strategies.
- Advancing glioblastoma research with innovative brain organoid-based modelsPublication . Dias Correia, Cátia; Calado, Sofia; Matos, Alexandra; Oleiro Esteves, Filipa Alexandra; De Sousa-Coelho, Ana Luísa; Campinho, Marco António; Teotónio Fernandes, Mónica AlexandraGlioblastoma (GBM) is a relatively rare but highly aggressive form of brain cancer characterized by rapid growth, invasiveness, and resistance to standard therapies. Despite significant progress in understanding its molecular and cellular mechanisms, GBM remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to its high heterogeneity and complex tumor microenvironment. To address these obstacles, researchers have employed a range of models, including in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models, but these often fail to replicate the complexity of GBM. As a result, there has been a growing focus on refining these models by incorporating human-origin cells, along with advanced genetic techniques and stem cell-based bioengineering approaches. In this context, a variety of GBM models based on brain organoids were developed and confirmed to be clinically relevant and are contributing to the advancement of GBM research at the preclinical level. This review explores the preparation and use of brain organoid-based models to deepen our understanding of GBM biology and to explore novel therapeutic approaches. These innovative models hold significant promise for improving our ability to study this deadly cancer and for advancing the development of more effective treatments.
- Statement of Peer ReviewPublication . De Sousa-Coelho, Ana Luísa; Teotónio Fernandes, Mónica Alexandra; Estêvão, Maria Dulce da Mota Antunes de Oliveira ; Neto Espírito-Santo, Margarida de Fátima; Braz, Luis; Nascimento, TâniaIn submitting conference proceedings to Proceedings, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors. The reviews were conducted by expert referees, and to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal.
- Preface: VII Poster Sunset Session—ESSUAlg 2024Publication . De Sousa-Coelho, Ana Luísa; Teotónio Fernandes, Mónica Alexandra; Estêvão, Maria Dulce da Mota Antunes de Oliveira ; Braz, Luis; Nascimento, TâniaThe event “Poster Sunset Session” began in 2017 at the School of Health of the University of Algarve (ESSUAlg), bringing the premise that scientific knowledge depends on research and critical analysis and that the exchange of ideas and information is an essential part of the continuous development process. This event was conceptualized and prepared by professors of the Pharmacy Department at ESSUAlg. The idea of “sunset” was based on the beautiful view over Ria Formosa (Faro, Portugal) that the previous building of ESSUAlg offered at dusk.