The Cancer Chemoprotection Program (CCP) is currently comprised of LPI scientists Drs. Roderick Dashwood (Director of the Program), David Williams, Emily Ho, and Gerd Bobe. Dr. Rosita Rodriguez-Proteau of the College of Pharmacy is also a member of the CCP. These scientists focus on the study of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that may affect health) in cancer prevention. The mission of the CCP is to identify previously unstudied phytochemicals and to develop existing phytochemicals as supplements that can protect against cancer. The approach involves mechanistic and molecular studies in vitro and non-mammalian and rodent animal models. The safety and efficacy of the most promising phytochemical candidates are also studied in human subjects. A multi-investigator program project grant from the National Cancer Institute entitled "Comparative Epigenetic Mechanisms of Cancer Chemoprevention" will markedly advance efforts towards the Program’s goals. In addition, an important function of the CCP is to act as a repository and resource center for information on the role of micronutrients and phytochemicals in cancer chemoprotection.
This program project grant awarded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to LPI scientists Drs. Balz Frei (Director of the grant), Joseph Beckman, Tory Hagen, and Weijian Zhang is supporting studies in cell culture, animal models, and human subjects to determine the mechanisms of action of different classes of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, and their safety and efficacy in treating chronic diseases and reversing the age-dependent loss of cellular resistance to stress. The grant is comprised of three highly interactive projects: "Lipoic acid supplementation to reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis in humans," "Lower vulnerability to toxins in aging by treatment with lipoic acid," and "Complementary and alternative medicine antioxidants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis."
The new Healthy Aging Program (HAP) is designed to understand the "vitality assurance" processes at the cellular and molecular levels that maintain health during aging and to characterize dietary regimens that can limit the risk for developing age-related diseases. HAP currently consists of Drs. Tory Hagen (Director of the Program), Joseph Beckman, and Adrian Gombart. Dr. Hagen focuses on the role of "age-essential" micronutrients like alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine in attenuating or reversing age-related mitochondrial dysfunction that results in declines in energy, cognitive performance, and the ability of cells and tissues to respond adequately to toxicological insults. Dr. Beckman investigates the role of oxidative and "nitrative" stress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and other neurodegenerative diseases, and the protective effects of vitamin E and other antioxidants. Dr. Gombart studies the role of vitamin D in immune function, especially through the regulation of antimicrobial peptides, and in the susceptibility to infections in older adults.
The Healthy Aging Program is supported in part by a gift from the Roman Meal Company, Tacoma, WA.
The work performed in these laboratories is aimed at a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes), metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver disease, and type II diabetes. The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the causation of these diseases is being investigated, as well as the protective effects of micronutrients and other dietary factors or supplements, such as vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, fish oil, and flavonoids.
The Linus Pauling Institute sponsors graduate students who have chosen to pursue a Ph.D. degree at Oregon State University through research work in one of the Institute's laboratories. The Fellowships—two years each—are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, and private foundations.
Fellowships consist of:
The Linus Pauling Institute hosts scholars at the Institute for several months. These scientists come from around the world to conduct research in the Institute’s laboratories and collaborate with scientists at LPI and Oregon State University.
This prize, awarded biennially, consists of a substantial monetary award and a bronze medal. It has been awarded to Drs. Bruce Ames (UC-Berkeley), Walter Willett (Harvard), Paul Talalay (Johns Hopkins), Mark Levine (NIH), and Michael Holick (Boston University). The purpose of the Prize is to encourage and recognize excellence in research relating to the roles of micronutrients, vitamins, and phytochemicals in optimum health. The Prize recognizes scientists who have made seminal contributions to our knowledge and understanding of the role of diet and its constituents in the prevention or treatment of human disease.
