Guest Lecture on TGF-β induces cholesterol accumulation to regulate the fate of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles by Dr. Dorival Mendes Rodrigues-Junior 

On February 5th, 2025, Dr. Dorival Mendisodrigos presented his research on TGFβ signaling and its role in extracellular vesicle (EV) biogenesis, cholesterol accumulation, and the tumor microenvironment. 

Key topics included:

• TGFβ and EV Secretion: TGFβ increases EV secretion in cancer cells by activating the MEK/ERK pathway.

• Cholesterol Homeostasis: TGFβ raises cholesterol levels, impacting EV production and signaling regulation.

• EVs and Tumor Microenvironment: EVs contribute to drug resistance, immune modulation, and metastasis.

• Potential Biomarkers: MMP-9 on EVs may serve as a prognostic marker in cancer.

• Future Research: Investigating autophagy's role, lipid/glycoprotein content, and 3D EV structures.

Dr. Mendisodrigos’ findings highlight the importance of TGFβ in EV biology and its potential implications for cancer treatment.

This guest lecture is available on YouTube: