Date of Award

2014-01-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Biological Sciences

Advisor(s)

Renato J. Aguilera

Abstract

The anti-cancer properties of curcumin, the natural yellow pigment in the roots of turmeric (Curcuma longa), have been extensively described over the last century. It has been shown to interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways, including execution of apoptosis, anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, curcumin's cytotoxic potential is limited when administered in vivo. With the idea of preserving curcumin's characteristics, but improving its bioavailability, analogues have been developed and evaluated in the last decade. Most of the analogues have shown very good anti-cancer activity in various cell lines and one analogue is now in a clinical trial. Nonetheless, this analogue acts through redox-dependent mechanism in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and DU-145 human prostate cancer cells and causes necrosis in some lymphoid cancerous cells. Thus, the main scope of my research has been the identification and characterization of a lead curcumin analogue, from a library of compounds, as a potent apoptotic agent against leukemia and lymphoma.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

114 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Yahaira Santiago

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS