The broad goal of the project is to understand the mechanisms by which purified dietary compounds prevent the growth and development of tumors. Suring the past cycle, we have identified that curcumin inhibits epidermal growth factor mediated signaling through its cognate receptor EGFR thereby inhibiting AKT activation. We have recently identified a novel protooncogene which activates the Notch-mTOR-AKT signaling pathway. In addition, we have identified a novel compound marmelin from the Indian Medicinal plant Aegle marmelos. In preliminary studies, we have determined that marmelin inhibits colon cancer cell growth in culture and in tumor xenografts through the TNF-mediated pathway. We have also identified that both curcumin and marmelin modulate microRNA expression. Based on these observations, we propose three specific aims.
In Aim 1, we will determine the efficacy of a combination of curcumin and marmelin in preventing intestinal and colonic tumorigenesis in the AOM/DSS-induced mouse colon cancer model. Here, we will perform a series of single and combination treatment studies in mice that have initiated inflammation and determine whether the combination is more potent in inhibiting colitis induced cancers.
In Aim 2, we will determine the mechanism of curcumin- and marmelin-mediated suppression of RBM3. Here, we identify the regions in the RBM3 promoter that is regulated by the actions of the two compounds. In addition, we will determine the effect of the compounds on colon tumor growth and angiogenesis under condition of RBM3 overexpression.
In Aim 3, we propose to determine whether the Notch-mTOR-Akt pathway affects the activity of the two compounds by modulating their expression using specific inhibitors. In addition, we will determine the role of specific microRNAs that affect this pathway on the activity of the two compounds. Upon completion of the project, we will have favorable, compelling evidence for initiating clinical trials for the two compounds as chemopreventive agents.

Public Health Relevance

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding how the normal cell progresses to a cancer will aid in our developing novel therapies for this dreaded disease. We have identified a protooncogene, RBM3 whose expression is increased in cancer cells. Overexpressing RBM3 protein causes a normal cell to become transformed into a cancer cell. We have also identified a novel compound from the Indian herb Aegle marmelos. We have determined in preliminary studies that this compound synergizes with curcumin to inhibit colon cancer growth. Our current proposal deals with determining the mechanism by which the two compounds, curcumin and marmelin inhibit colon cancer from developing. . We expect that the work will lead to a better understanding of the tumorigenesis process and identify novel methods to stop or slow down tumorigenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA109269-09
Application #
8060578
Study Section
Chemo/Dietary Prevention Study Section (CDP)
Program Officer
Riscuta, Gabriela
Project Start
2004-07-16
Project End
2014-04-30
Budget Start
2012-05-01
Budget End
2013-04-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$242,655
Indirect Cost
$80,885
Name
University of Kansas
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
016060860
City
Kansas City
State
KS
Country
United States
Zip Code
66160
Snyder, Vusala; Reed-Newman, Tamika C; Arnold, Levi et al. (2018) Cancer Stem Cell Metabolism and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 8:203
Kaushik, Gaurav; Venugopal, Anand; Ramamoorthy, Prabhu et al. (2015) Honokiol inhibits melanoma stem cells by targeting notch signaling. Mol Carcinog 54:1710-21
Ramalingam, Satish; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam; Anant, Shrikant (2015) Manipulating miRNA Expression: A Novel Approach for Colon Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy. Curr Pharmacol Rep 1:141-153
Neradugomma, Naveen K; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam; Tawfik, Ossama W et al. (2014) Prolactin signaling enhances colon cancer stemness by modulating Notch signaling in a Jak2-STAT3/ERK manner. Carcinogenesis 35:795-806
Kaushik, Gaurav; Kwatra, Deep; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam et al. (2014) Honokiol affects melanoma cell growth by targeting the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Am J Surg 208:995-1002; discussion 1001-2
Subramaniam, Dharmalingam; Thombre, Ravi; Dhar, Animesh et al. (2014) DNA methyltransferases: a novel target for prevention and therapy. Front Oncol 4:80
Paul, Santanu; Ramalingam, Satish; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam et al. (2014) Histone Demethylases in Colon Cancer. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 10:417-424
Kwatra, Deep; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam; Ramamoorthy, Prabhu et al. (2013) Methanolic extracts of bitter melon inhibit colon cancer stem cells by affecting energy homeostasis and autophagy. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013:702869
Kwatra, Deep; Venugopal, Anand; Standing, David et al. (2013) Bitter melon extracts enhance the activity of chemotherapeutic agents through the modulation of multiple drug resistance. J Pharm Sci 102:4444-54
He, Zhiyun; Subramaniam, Dharmalingam; Zhang, Zhongtao et al. (2013) Honokiol as a Radiosensitizing Agent for Colorectal cancers. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 9:

Showing the most recent 10 out of 46 publications