21-11-2025
Rita Sequeira presented her MSc thesis, “FROM 2D TO 3D: COPPER COMPOUNDS AS A NEW THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IN COLORECTAL CANCER.” She demonstrated that novel copper complexes show strong antiproliferative activity in both doxorubicin-sensitive and resistant colorectal cancer cell lines, with low toxicity toward non-tumorigenic fibroblasts in 2D and 3D models. Mechanistic studies revealed induction of intrinsic apoptosis, marked by mitochondrial depolarization and elevated ROS, along with autophagy, indicating multimodal anticancer action. When combined with FOLFOX, apoptotic effects were further amplified. The complexes also caused S-phase arrest, and in vivo chick embryo assays showed encouraging antiangiogenic activity without detectable toxicity. Overall, these copper compounds emerge as promising candidates for further development, particularly against drug-resistant tumors. This Thesis was developed within the Human Genetics and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, at UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology.
Congratulations, Rita!