Session: Undergraduate Research Posters: Medicinal Chemistry:

Schinus terebinthifolius bark extracts were tested for effects on breast cancer cell viability and migration. The invasive BT549 triple-negative breast cancer cell line was used as a model for metastatic cells. Extract-treated cells exhibited statistically significant slower average migration velocities than untreated control cells. Working concentrations of crude extract were not cytotoxic based on MTT assay results. Current experiments aim to discover which bioactive molecules, present in the crude extract, reduce cancer cell migration. Column chromatography was used to separate the crude extract into fractions. Fractions which retained anti-migratory activity were identified. Results were reproduced. Biochemical and immunocytochemistry experiments are underway to determine the cellular signaling pathways targeted by the extract.

Abel Sousa

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