Mechanisms of Broccoli's Anti-Cancer Effects

Professor Introduction

 Y. L | Ph.D. in Basic Medicine

Home Institute：Zhejiang University

[ Research Interests ] Extensive experience with model organisms including C. elegans, mice, and cell lines.
Proficient in molecular biology, cell biology, and animal behavior studies.
Skilled in plasmid construction, RNAi screening, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

Project Description

Research on the anti-cancer mechanism of broccoli In 2024, scientific research found that broccoli can prevent the risk of many cancers, but the mechanism is unclear. Caenorhabditis elegans has become a leading model for cancer-related genetic research due to its advantages such as simple genetics, gene conservation, short lifespan, and easy reproduction and manipulation. This project uses nematodes as a model organism to determine whether broccoli extract regulates cancer-related pathways, the correlation between its regulatory intensity and dosage, and then by measuring the conservation of target genes and human homologous genes, determine whether broccoli regulates human cancer pathways similar to nematodes.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1 :  Introduction to Broccoli's Anti-Cancer Properties
• Overview of recent findings on broccoli's potential to reduce cancer risk.
• Discussion on the significance of understanding the underlying mechanisms.
•Introduction to C. elegans as a model organism for genetic and cancer research.

Part 2 : Experimental Design Using C. elegans
• Selection and preparation of broccoli extracts for study.
• Design of experiments to expose C. elegans to varying doses of broccoli extracts.
• Identification of cancer-related pathways and genes in C. elegans.

Part 3 :  Molecular and Genetic Analysis
• Application of molecular biology techniques to study gene expression and pathway activation in C. elegans.
• Use of RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 to manipulate target genes and observe effects on cancer pathways.
• Analysis of broccoli extract-induced changes in gene expression and pathway activity.

Part 4 : Dose-Response Relationship
• Investigation of the correlation between the dosage of broccoli extracts and the regulatory strength on cancer-related pathways.
• Determination of the optimal dosage for maximum anti-cancer effects.
• Statistical analysis to establish the dose-response relationship.

Part 5 : Homology Assessment and Human Relevance
• Comparison of target genes and pathways in C. elegans with their human homologs.
• Assessment of the conservation of cancer-related pathways between C. elegans and humans.
• Evaluation of the potential implications for human cancer prevention and treatment.

Part 6 : Conclusion and Future Directions
• Summary of key findings and their significance.
• Discussion of limitations and potential sources of error.
• Recommendations for future research and potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment.

Suitable for

• High School Students interested in the health benefits of dietary components.
• Undergraduate and graduate students in molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research