Projects
The goal of our center is to study the phytonutrient mechanism of action in both inflammatory and proliferative diseases of the pancreas in which we will use both molecular biology tools and metabolomics technology to investigate altered cellular function. Our scientific programs will study the role of polyphenols in pancreatic disease including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Polyphenols have been shown to have many diverse biological properties that could explain their anti-cancer effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities. Our current investigation will start studying polyphenols on in vitro cell systems and progress to anima models of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. In three research projects with translational research potential: Project 1 will determine the effects of polyphenols on inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, Project 2 will study how polyphenols regulate lipid inflammatory process in pancreatic cancer, and Project 3 will investigate the effects of flavonoids in pancreatic carcinogenesis and angiogenesis. These three projects will utilize our shared core resources including the Animal Model Core, Phytonutrient Core, and Metabolomics Core. The Administrative Core will coordinate, integrate, and oversee the daily functions of the program. In addition, other related research projects supported by the federal and other funding agencies, will be utilizing our shared core resources.