THE MODULATION OF APOPTOGENIC AND EXTRACELLULAR SIGNALING PATHWAYS BY CARVACROL

University Of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr, Oklahoma City OK

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Abstract

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA. In 2007, an estimated 153,760 new cases will be diagnosed, and 52,180 deaths from colorectal cancer will occur. Colon cancer is often a result of a combination of various genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Environmental factors include a diet low in fiber, vegetables, and folate and high in red meat, heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. Although surgical resection is still the only curative treatment, adjuvant therapy (5-FU) plays an important role in preventing recurrence of the disease. Considerable advances are being made in developing strategies to combat colon cancer such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and apoptosis. Apoptosis is a highly regulated process in which cells commit suicide for the good of the whole organism. About half of all the major illnesses are a result of deregulation of apoptosis. Scientists have focused their attention on devising mechanism to engage the apoptotic machinery in cancer cells. A variety of plant extracts are been investigated for their ability to influence the apoptotic process. Chemicals that can alter apoptosis are likely to be potential drugs.