Dietary Determinants of Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Prostate Cancer (PCa) accounts for nearly 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers among American men. Epidemiologic studies suggest that dietary factors may be important in the etiology of PCa. The objectives of our research is to determine how nutritional compounds genistein, betasitosterol, and omega-6 fatty acids function as modulators of PCa. In the first year, we are developing the technical tools with which to investigate gene expression patterns that are altered by the 3 dietary compounds. We have upgraded and optimized our microarrayer to allow for more efficient printing. The new microarrayer setup will aid in preparing a custom microarray containing approximately 400 unique cDNAs that are relevant in pathways of apoptosis and androgen receptor among others. In addition, we optimized our protocol for multicolor spectral transcript analysis to accommodate up to 8 colors 50 as to maximize the number of different RNA species that can be detected. To test the improved tools, we have initiated in vitro experiments using PCa cell lines and the three dietary compounds. In addition, the fellow has learned xenograft techniques in the co-mentor's laboratory as well as biostatistical analyses that will be applied towards the in vivo studies for the second year of fellowship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425814
Entities
People
- Lisa W. Chu
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley