Pre-Pilot Project: Novel Nanoformulation for Prostate Cancer Treatment
MSM Lead: Rajesh Singh, PhD
UAB Lead: Santosh Katiyar, PhD
The proposed studies will evaluate a new method and combination for targeted delivery (using folate) of curcumin or docetaxel at desired rates of release that will overcome the clinical barrier that curcumin and docetaxel have faced due to its poor bioavailability and lack of prostate tumor cell specificity. We will test the hypothesis that targeted delivery of curcumin and docetaxel-loaded PBM nanoparticles will enhance the efficacy to improve PCa treatment.
Pre-Pilot Project: A Multi-Cancer Platform for Selective Photo-Nano-Therapy of Malignant Tumors
TU Lead: Hidiyah-Nicole Green, PhD
TU Lead: Clayton Yates, PhD
Proposal focuses on evaluating the potential use of photo-nano-therapy to induce tumor regression in cancers requiring greater depth penetrance than oral squamous carcinoma (for which the therapy has proven successful). This project will explore use of near infrared (NIR) photo-nano-therapy (PNT) in combination with gold nano rods that convert laser light energy to therapeutic thermal heat. In vivo studies will examine efficacy of the combined laser/nano rod therapy by evaluating tumor regression in primary tumor models (via orthotopic implants).
Pre-Pilot Project: Role of TTP-Lin28-let-7-axis in Colorectal Cancer Treatment Responses
TU Lead:Amit Tiwari, PhD
UAB Lead: Esther Suswam, PhD
The proposed study will assess the importance of the TTP-Lin28-let-7 signaling pathway in the regulation of chemotherapy responses in colorectal cancers (CRCs). The proposal will evaluate the TTP/Lin28/let-7 pathway (which may be inactivated in CRCs – allowing deregulation of oncogenes such as Lin28B) in CRC primary tumors based on p53 status and assess the importance of this pathway in modulating tumor progression and responses to chemotherapy.
Pre-Pilot Project: Association of CD24 and Progression of Prostate Cancer in African-Americans
MSM Lead:James Lillard, PhD
UAB Lead: Lizhong Wang, PhD
This proposal focuses on exploring the role CD24 expression (gene and subsequent protein expression) have in prostate cancer (PCa) among African American, Caucasian, and Asian men. The application is based on hypothesis that CD 24 is linked to risk and progression of PCa (as CD24 is over-expressed in many cancer types) and preliminary applicant data indicates growth, progression, and metastasis is reduced via CD24 mutation in murine models).