Research Abstracts Online
January 2010 - March 2011
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
PI: David A. Potter
Characterization of the Role of CYP1A1 in the Biology of Breast Cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids are widely known for their importance in heart diseases. However, the impact of omega-3 fatty acid in diseases such as breast cancer patients in not fully understood. Through these studies we seek to understand the role of the metabolism of the omega-3 fatty acid known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in breast cancer progression. Better understanding of the mechanism by which EPA metabolism affects breast cancer has both preventive and therapeutic impact. Studies have indicated that cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), which selectively metabolizes EPA, may be an effective therapeutic target for breast cancer. The preventive impact needs to be further evaluated together with epidemiological studies.
Mariangellys Rodriguez, Graduate Student