The Physiological Role of Plant Phenolics in Plant and Mammalian Cell Growth (2012 - Present)

Investigator:  John-David Swanson, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  Marie Chow, University of Arkansas 

Abstract:  Plant secondary metabolites provide many leads for new therapeutics that are currently on the market.  However, their mechanism of action is often not understood in either plants or animals.  Our preliminary data show that, in Rubus, phenolics (a class of secondary metabolites), produced in the head structure of the glandular trichomes, are transported to cellular nuclei in the underlying stalk tissue.  Due to the nuclear localization of these phenolics and the cell proliferative response that is subsequently induced, we hypothesize that the phenolics represent a new class of plant hormones that activate developmentally-regulated signal transduction pathways.  We further hypothesize that these phenolics also are able to activate mammalian signaling pathways by mimicking small molecule ligands accounting for their reported anti-cancer effects.  To test this hypothesis we will integrate information obtained through transcriptomic approaches combined with functional biology.  The two specific aims are to:  1) Compare the functional responses of plant and mammalian cells after exposure to the phenolic, gallic acid, and other known secondary metabolites.  2) Assemble transcriptome data for plant and animal cells exposed to gallic acid to identify additional genes that are expressed as a result of exposure to secondary metabolites.  The results from this study will define the physiological role of phenolics in plant and mammalian cells, and potentially provide mechanisms of action for the therapeutic effects of phenolics.  It is envisioned that these studies will provide a strategy by which assays can be devised to rationally screen for therapeutically-active natural products.