The MU Botanical Center is a comprehensive research and training program that investigates the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals and phytonutrients in human disease. The Center supports five primary research projects, pilot studies, core units and career development efforts. Project 1: """"""""Is prostate tumor progression altered by phytonutrients?"""""""" examines the effect of phytoestrogens on prostate cancer in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-alpha and/or ER-beta KO mice in a TRAMP prostate cancer mouse model. Project 2: """"""""Phytoestrogens and innate immunity in ER-deficient mice"""""""" determines whether phytoestrogens act in the innate immune system via ER-alpha and/or ER-beta in SCID mice. Project 3: """"""""Treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) with soy-derived isoflavones"""""""" is a clinical study testing the activation effects of""""""""phytoestrogens"""""""", acting through a non-ER-mediated pathway, on the mutated CFTR protein in humans. Project 4: """"""""Identification and characterization of botanicals"""""""" is a guide to authentication of botanicals with primary emphasis on those used in food supplements. Project 5: """"""""Neuroprotective effects of plant polyphenols against oxidative insults"""""""" examines alternative molecular mechanisms of phytoestrogens when considered as polyphenols in neurodegenerative disease. Five Cores support these Projects and coordinate research and training activities. Core A (Administrative) provides central management. Core B (Plant) grows and classifies authenticated botanicals for use by both external scientists and Center Projects. Core C (Analytical) assesses the purity of botanical ingredients from commercial and plant sources and measures the concentration of active ingredients in cell, animal and human experiments. Core D (Animal/Nutrition) breeds, treats with botanical ingredients, and supplies the necessary transgenic and non-transgenic animals. Core E (Quantitative RNA/DNA) measures low levels of specific nucleic acids from both plant and animal sources. The Center's research investigates molecular mechanisms of the phytoestrogen and polyphenol actions in four human diseases: CF, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and immune-mediated abnormalities. The Center fosters research and training of investigators to determine the safety and efficacy of botanicals in the treatment of human disease.
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