Hormel Institute scientists publish review article that explores the role of prostaglandin function and cancer

The Hormel Institute’s Tianshun Zhang, PhD, a Senior Scientist in the Cellular & Molecular Biology research section led by Ann Bode, PhD, served as corresponding author on a review article published in the high-impact journal, Cancer Research. The article, “Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy,” discusses the current state of prostaglandin function and cancer.

Prostaglandins are substances made of fats that are found in almost every tissue in the human body. They have hormone-like effects and can affect cancer development and progression. Depending on the prostaglandin and where it is located, they can either encourage or prevent cancer development. This review article suggests that targeting prostaglandin pathways could provide opportunities for cancer prevention and therapy.

Dr. Zhang recently discovered that a prostaglandin called TXA2 is a very powerful marker for detecting Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer.

Dr. Zhang plans to continue to study the function of TXA2 and other prostaglandins signaling pathways in Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.