- Lauren E. Ball, Ph.D.
- Joe B. Blumer, Ph.D.
- Warren Davis Jr., Ph.D.
- Scott Eblen, Ph.D.
- Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D.
- John D. Hildebrandt, Ph.D.
- Jennifer S. Isaacs, Ph.D.
- Daniel R. Knapp, Ph.D.
- David T. Kurtz, Ph.D.
- Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D.
- Carola A. Neumann, M.D.
- John E. Oatis, Ph.D.
- Steven A. Rosenzweig, Ph.D.
- Kenneth D. Tew, Ph.D., D.Sc.
- Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D.
- Jerry G. Webb, Ph.D.
Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D., F.A.C.N.
Professor
Cell and Molecular PharmacologyMember
Developmental Cancer Therapeutics Program
Hollings Cancer Center
Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 1981
wargovic@musc.edu
Tel: 843-792-7604
Fax: 843-792-3200
Wargovich LabCancer Chemoprevention Drug Discovery
The Wargovich laboratory maintains a strong focus on cancer chemoprevention drug discovery. Our studies are directed to the prevention of colon cancer, but we maintain an interest in the prevention of other cancers as well. The research in the lab is built around three themes:
1) Agent Discovery
We are involved in two global scientific collaborations, one in the Republic of Guinea in West Africa that focuses on the investigations of traditional medicinal plants for the prevention of cancer. The second, with the government of Brazil, is focused on native Brazilian fruits as sources of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.2) Cell and Molecular Mechanisms of Action
We have concentrated our efforts on chemopreventive agents that work by interrupting the process of inflammation and those compounds that affect the cell signaling pathways so often corrupted by tumors. Studies on green tea, and the polyphenol, EGCG indicate that certain of these pathways can be re-regulated in the presence of the tea compound. We are studying the role of EGCG in the silencing of the RXR receptor in colon cancer. In a project focused on experimental colitis, we are investigating the ability of the natural supplements, ginkgo and ginseng to inhibit nitric oxide mediated inflammation in the context of colitis. Also, we have discovered novel compounds from West African traditional medicinal plants which may prove to be “natural” inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase (COX 1, COX 2) implicated in tumor progression.3) Implementation of Chemoprevention in Humans
The laboratory has a strong history in developing applying biomarkers in the context of human cancer chemoprevention trials. Our translational science interests center about the prevention of adenoma recurrence and prevention of colitis. We are also interested in improving the pharmacokinetics of chemopreventive agent uptake, and beginning to plan studies that will determine if chemopreventive agents can make chemotherapy work better by targeting the same and different cellular targets.Selected Publications | Additional Publications
Androulakis XM, Muga S, Chen F, Koita Y, Toure, B, Wargovich MJ. Chemopreventive effects of Khaya senegalensis bark extract on human colorectal carcinoma cells. Anticancer Res, 26:2397-2406, 2006.
Peng G, Muga S, Dixon D, Smith TJ, Wargovich MJ. Green tea polyphenol EGCG inhibits cycooxygenase expression in colon carcinogenesis. Mol Carcinogenesis, 45:309-319, 2006.
Peng G, Wargovich MJ, Dixon D. Anti-Proliferative Effects of green tea polyphenol EGCG on Ha-ras-induced transformation of intestinal epithelial cells. Cancer Lett, 238: 260-270, 2006.
Robertson DJ, Burke CA, Scwhender B, Wargovich MJ, Greenberg, ER, Sandler RS, Ahnen D, Rothstein R, Mott L, Baron JA. Histamine receptor antagonists and incident adenomas. Aliment Pharmacol Ther., 22: 123-128, 2005.
Zander MES, Wargovich MJ. Effects of Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba on the Efficacy of 5-Flurouracil in Colon Cancer Cells. J Cancer Integ Med 3:19-25, 2005.
Volate S, Davenport DM, Issa A, Wargovich MJ. Modulation of aberrant crypt foci, inflammation and apoptosis by dietary herbal supplements Carcinogenesis, 26: 1450-156, 2005.
Zander MES, Davenport DNM, Wargovich MJ. Potential NSAID-like and Chemopreventive Effects of Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba. Int J Cancer Prevention, 1 (3); 77-87, 2004.
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