Proteomic Divisonwe apply proteomics-based technologies, cell biological methods, flowcytometry and cell culture to explore repurposing of drugs for alternative cancer treatments as well as for chemoprevention. We investigate the potential of metformin, an herbal derived anti-diabetic drug that has become the first line drug for diabetes mellitus type 2, as an alternative anti-cancer medicine. Some observational studies have demonstrated the ability of metformin to reduce the incidence of neoplastic disease in diabetic patients treated with this drug. Several in vitro studies report significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of metformin on various types of cancer cells. To investigate its effects on proliferation and growth of colorectal cancer we have been using colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW620 as models. Our preliminary data show that metformin inhibits proliferation and growth of these cell lines, however the mechanisms of these effects remain to be elucidated. 

Our ongoing project is currently investigating the effects of metformin in human brain cancer cell lines. The aim of this research is to observe the effects of metformin on proliferation and growth of brain cancer cell lines and to study the molecular mechanisms involved. Gliomas and meningiomas are two most common types of human brain tumors. 

Currently there is no effective treatment for recurrent meningiomas or gliomas. It is therefore necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies that are more promising and effective for management of both types of these brain tumors. 

The Proteomic Division is equipped with instrumentation for protein analysis such as 2D-PAGE, HPLC, Microrotofor, iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader, SmartSpec Plus spectrophotometer and Imaging Systems.