iLOX Project: Innovative Inhibitors to Fight Breast Cancer

ULusófona project identifies innovative compounds with therapeutic potential to halt the progression of breast cancer to more aggressive stages.

An innovative project in the field of oncology is studying a new approach to the treatment of breast cancer through the development of inhibitors of lysyl oxidase enzymes (LOXs). Researchers involved in the study have already identified three promising new compounds that have shown efficacy in breast cancer cells.

These enzymes play an important role in the structure of our body's tissues, helping to strengthen and organise the fibres that support cells. However, when they are in excess, they can contribute to the growth and spread of tumours. In the case of breast cancer, levels of LOXs, and in particular the LOXL2 type, are generally high, making this enzyme an important target for new treatments.

Ana Fernandes, the project's principal investigator, explained that the project arose from the need to find therapeutic alternatives that could increase the effectiveness of existing drugs, especially for the treatment of breast cancer at more advanced stages. The project integrates bioinformatics, computational chemistry, pharmacology and molecular biology approaches to identify new LOXL2 inhibitors and explore their impact on cellular processes related to tumour growth and metastasis.

Developed by Universidade Lusófona, it is a clear example of the institution's commitment to scientific innovation and to improving the health and well-being of society.