Induction of Bex genes by curcumin is associated with apoptosis and activation of p53 in N2a neuroblastoma cells

Potential Treatment Options for Neuroblastoma with Polyphenols through Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Mechanisms

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial tumor of the peripheral nervous system arising from neural crest cells. It is the most common malignancy in infants and the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The current treatment for high-risk NB involves chemotherapy and surgical resection followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue and radiation treatment. However, those with high-risk NB are susceptible to relapse and the long-term side effects of standard chemotherapy. Polyphenols, including the sub-class of flavonoids, contain more than one aromatic ring with hydroxyl groups. The literature demonstrates their utility in inducing the apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells, mostly in vitro and some in vivo. This review explores the use of various polyphenols outlined in primary studies, underlines the pathways involved in apoptotic activity, and discusses the dosage and delivery of these polyphenols. Primary studies were obtained from multiple databases with search the terms "neuroblastoma", "flavonoid", and "apoptosis". The in vitro studies showed that polyphenols exert an apoptotic effect on several NB cell lines. These polyphenols include apigenin, genistein, didymin, rutin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, butein, bisphenols, and various plant extracts. The mechanisms of the therapeutic effects include calpain-dependent pathways, receptor-mediated apoptosis, and, notably, and most frequently, mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, including the mitochondrial proteins Bax and Bcl-2. Overall, polyphenols demonstrate potency in decreasing NB proliferation and inducing apoptosis, indicating significant potential for further in vivo research.

Involvement of Phytochemical-Encapsulated Nanoparticles' Interaction with Cellular Signalling in the Amelioration of Benign and Malignant Brain Tumours

Brain tumours have unresolved challenges that include delay prognosis and lower patient survival rate. The increased understanding of the molecular pathways underlying cancer progression has aided in developing various anticancer medications. Brain cancer is the most malignant and invasive type of cancer, with several subtypes. According to the WHO, they are classified as ependymal tumours, chordomas, gangliocytomas, medulloblastomas, oligodendroglial tumours, diffuse astrocytomas, and other astrocytic tumours on the basis of their heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms. The present study is based on the most recent research trends, emphasising glioblastoma cells classified as astrocytoma. Brain cancer treatment is hindered by the failure of drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is highly impregnableto foreign molecule entry. Moreover, currently available medications frequently fail to cross the BBB, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy are too expensive to be afforded by an average incomeperson and have many associated side effects. When compared to our current understanding of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agents, it appears that investigating the efficacy of specific phytochemicals in cancer treatment may be beneficial. Plants and their derivatives are game changers because they are efficacious, affordable, environmentally friendly, faster, and less toxic for the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Over the past few years, nanotechnology has made a steady progress in diagnosing and treating cancers, particularly brain tumours. This article discusses the effects of phytochemicals encapsulated in nanoparticles on molecular targets in brain tumours, along with their limitations and potential challenges.

Transcription Elongation Factor A (SII)-Like (TCEAL) Gene Family Member-TCEAL2: A Novel Prognostic Marker in Pan-Cancer

Background:

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. The mechanism is not fully elucidated and the therapeutic effect is also unsatisfactory. In our study, we aim to find new target gene in pan-cancer.

Methods:

Differently expressed genes (DEGs) was screened out in various types of cancers from GEO database. The expression of DEG (TCEAL2) in tumor cell lines, normal tissues and tumor tissues was calculated. Then the clinical characteristics, DNA methylation, tumor infiltration and gene enrichment of TCEAL2 was studied.

Results:

TCEAL2 expressions were down-regulated in most cancers. Its expression and methylation were positively or negatively associated with prognosis in different cancers. The tumor infiltration results revealed that TCEAL2 was significantly related with many immune cells especially NK cells and immune-related genes in majority cancers. Furthermore, tau protein and tubulin binding were involved in the molecular function mechanisms of TCEAL2.

Conclusion:

TCEAL2 may be a novel prognostic marker in different cancers and may affect tumor through immune infiltration.

Polyphenols as Antitumor Agents Targeting Key Players in Cancer-Driving Signaling Pathways

Polyphenols constitute an important group of natural products that are traditionally associated with a wide range of bioactivities. These are usually found in low concentrations in natural products and are now available in nutraceuticals or dietary supplements. A group of polyphenols that include apigenin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG, and kaempferol have been shown to regulate signaling pathways that are central for cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Here, we describe novel mechanistic insights on the effect of this group of polyphenols on key elements of the signaling pathways impacting cancer. We describe the protein modifications induced by these polyphenols and their effect on the central elements of several signaling pathways including PI3K, Akt, mTOR, RAS, and MAPK and particularly those affecting the tumor suppressor p53 protein. Modifications of p53 induced by these polyphenols regulate p53 gene expression and protein levels and posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination that influence stability, subcellular location, activation of new transcriptional targets, and the role of p53 in response to DNA damage, apoptosis control, cell- cycle regulation, senescence, and cell fate. Thus, deep understanding of the effects that polyphenols have on these key players in cancer-driving signaling pathways will certainly lead to better designed targeted therapies, with less toxicity for cancer treatment. The scope of this review centers on the regulation of key elements of cancer signaling pathways by the most studied polyphenols and highlights the importance of a profound understanding of these regulations in order to improve cancer treatment and control with natural products.

Influence of the Bioactive Diet Components on the Gene Expression Regulation

Diet bioactive components, in the concept of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, consist of food constituents, which can transfer information from the external environment and influence gene expression in the cell and thus the function of the whole organism. It is crucial to regard food not only as the source of energy and basic nutriments, crucial for living and organism development, but also as the factor influencing health/disease, biochemical mechanisms, and activation of biochemical pathways. Bioactive components of the diet regulate gene expression through changes in the chromatin structure (including DNA methylation and histone modification), non-coding RNA, activation of transcription factors by signalling cascades, or direct ligand binding to the nuclear receptors. Analysis of interactions between diet components and human genome structure and gene activity is a modern approach that will help to better understand these relations and will allow designing dietary guidances, which can help maintain good health.

Development of curcumin-based amyloid β aggregation inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease using the SAR matrix approach

Amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation inhibitor activity cliff involving a curcumin structure was predicted using the SAR Matrix method on the basis of 697 known Aβ inhibitors from ChEMBL (data set 2487). Among the compounds predicted, compound B was found to possess approximately 100 times higher inhibitory activity toward Aβ aggregation than curcumin. TEM images indicate that compound B induced the shortening of Aβ fibrils and increased the generation of Aβ oligomers in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, compound K, in which the methyl ester of compound B was replaced by the tert-butyl ester, possessed low cytotoxicity on N2A cells and attenuated Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, indicating that compound K would have an ability for preventing neurotoxicity caused by Aβ aggregation.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a high global prevalence are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a great need to develop efficient therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a naturally occurring agent, is a promising compound with documented safety and anticancer activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of different cancers. According to systematic studies on curcumin use in various diseases, it can be particularly effective in GI cancers because of its high bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the clinical applications of curcumin are largely limited because of its low solubility and low chemical stability in water. These limitations may be addressed by the use of relevant analogues or novel delivery systems. Herein, we summarize the pharmacological effects of curcumin against GI cancers. Moreover, we highlight the application of curcumin's analogues and novel delivery systems in the treatment of GI cancers.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on HPMA-Based Polymeric Micelles Loaded with Curcumin

Curcumin-loaded polymeric micelles composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(N-2-benzoyloxypropyl methacrylamide) (mPEG-b-p(HPMA-Bz)) were prepared to solubilize and improve the pharmacokinetics of curcumin. Curcumin-loaded micelles were prepared by a nanoprecipitation method using mPEG_5kDa-b-p(HPMA-Bz) copolymers with varying molecular weight of the hydrophobic block (5.2, 10.0, and 17.1 kDa). At equal curcumin loading, micelles composed of mPEG_5kDa-b-p(HPMA-Bz)_17.1kDa showed better curcumin retention in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and plasma at 37 °C than micelles based on block copolymers with smaller hydrophobic blocks. No change in micelle size was observed during 24 h incubation in plasma using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF₄), attesting to particle stability. However, 22-49% of the curcumin loading was released from the micelles during 24 h from formulations with the highest to the lowest molecular weight p(HPMA-Bz), respectively, in plasma. AF₄ analysis further showed that the released curcumin was subsequently solubilized by albumin. In vitro analyses revealed that the curcumin-loaded mPEG_5kDa-b-p(HPMA-Bz)_17.1kDa micelles were internalized by different types of cancer cells, resulting in curcumin-induced cell death. Intravenously administered curcumin-loaded, Cy7-labeled mPEG_5kDa-b-p(HPMA-Bz)_17.1kDa micelles in mice at 50 mg curcumin/kg showed a long circulation half-life for the micelles (t_1/2 = 42 h), in line with the AF₄ results. In contrast, the circulation time of curcumin was considerably shorter than that of the micelles (t_1/2α = 0.11, t_1/2β = 2.5 h) but ∼5 times longer than has been reported for free curcumin (t_1/2α = 0.02 h). The faster clearance of curcumin in vivo compared to in vitro studies can be attributed to the interaction of curcumin with blood cells. Despite the excellent solubilizing effect of these micelles, no cytostatic effect was achieved in neuroblastoma-bearing mice, possibly because of the low sensitivity of the Neuro2A cells to curcumin.

Curcumin's Beneficial Effects on Neuroblastoma: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Potential Solutions

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the South Asian turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), has well-characterized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-protein-aggregate, and anticancer properties. Neuroblastoma (NB) is a cancer of the nervous system that arises primarily in pediatric patients. In order to reduce the multiple disadvantages and side effects of conventional oncologic modalities and to potentially overcome cancer drug resistance, natural substances such as curcumin are examined as complementary and supportive therapies against NB. In NB cell lines, curcumin by itself promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through the suppression of serine–threonine kinase Akt and nuclear factor kappa of activated B-cells (NF-κB) signaling, induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, and upregulation of p53 and caspase signaling. While curcumin demonstrates anti-NB efficacy in vitro, cross-validation between NB cell types is currently lacking for many of its specific mechanistic activities. Furthermore, curcumin’s low bioavailability by oral administration, poor absorption, and relative insolubility in water pose challenges to its clinical introduction. Numerous curcumin formulations, including nanoparticles, nanocarriers, and microemulsions, have been developed, with these having some success in the treatment of NB. In the future, standardization and further basic and preclinical trials will be required to ensure the safety of curcumin formulations. While the administration of curcumin is clinically safe even at high doses, clinical trials are necessary to substantiate the practical efficacy of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of NB.

Indocyanine Green and Curcumin Co-Loaded Nano-Fireball-Like Albumin Nanoparticles Based on Near-Infrared-Induced Hyperthermia for Tumor Ablation

Background

Indocyanine green (ICG) has received considerable interest as a biocompatible organic photothermal agent, and curcumin (Cur) is considered an attractive natural chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic compound. However, the in vivo applicability of ICG and Cur is significantly restricted by their poor ability to target tumors and their extremely low solubility.

Materials and Methods

To address these problems, ICG/Cur-loaded albumin nanoparticles (ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs) based on the nab^TM (nanoparticle albumin-bound) technology were applied to neuroblastomas in vivo.

Results

The fabricated ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs were found to be spherical, ~150 nm in size and highly dispersible and stable in aqueous solution. Approximately 80% of the incorporated ICG and Cur were gradually released from the NPs over 48 h. All formulations of ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs (5~20 µg/mL) showed efficient hyperthermia profiles (up to 50–60°C within 5 min) in response to 808-nm NIR laser irradiation in vitro and in vivo. Notably, ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs illuminated with 808-nm laser irradiation (1.5 W/cm²) showed excellent cytotoxicity toward N2a cells in vitro and undisputable antitumor efficacy in N2a-xenografted mice in vivo, compared to other tested sample groups (tumor volumes for PBS, BSA-Cur-NPs, free ICG, and ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs groups were 1408.6 ± 551.9, 1190.6 ± 343.6, 888.6 ± 566.2, and 103.0 ± 111.3 mm³, respectively).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that these hyperthermal chemotherapeutic ICG-BSA-Cur-NPs have potential as a future brain tumor treatment.

Combined effect of recombinant human adenovirus p53 and curcumin in the treatment of liver cancer

The development of an effective therapeutic intervention for liver cancer is a worldwide challenge that remains to be adequately addressed. Of note, TP53, which encodes the p53 protein, is an important tumor suppressor gene, 61% of TP53 is functionally inactivated in liver cancer. Recombinant human adenovirus p53 (rAd-p53) is the first commercial product that has been used for gene therapy. In the present study, the combined mechanistic effects of rAd-p53 and curcumin, a naturally occurring compound with previously reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, were assessed in liver cancer cells, using HepG2 cells as the model cell line. The administration of either curcumin or rAd-p53 promoted apoptosis, suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and blocked G2/M phase progression in HepG2 cells, which were potentiated further when both agents were applied together. Combined rAd-p53 and curcumin treatment resulted in higher p53 (P<0.01) and p21 (P<0.01) expression compared with rAd-p53 or curcumin were added alone, suggesting an additive effect on TP53 expression. Additionally, curcumin and rAd-p53 were demonstrated to regulate the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. These results indicated that the combination of rAd-p53 with curcumin synergistically potentiates apoptosis and inhibit EMT compared with either rAd-p53 or curcumin treatment alone via the regulation of TP53 regulation. Mechanistically, this effect on TP53 expression may involve the ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways. The current study provides new insights that can potentially advance the development of therapeutic strategies for liver cancer treatment.

Beta-Blockers and Berberine: A Possible Dual Approach to Contrast Neuroblastoma Growth and Progression

The use of nutraceuticals during cancer treatment is a long-lasting debate. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid extracted from a variety of medicinal plants. BBR has been shown to have therapeutic effects in different pathologies, particularly in cancer, where it affects pathways involved in tumor progression. In neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial childhood solid tumor, BBR, reduces tumor growth by regulating both stemness and differentiation features and by inducing apoptosis. At the same time, the inhibition of β-adrenergic signaling leads to a reduction in growth and increase of differentiation of neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the possible beneficial effects of BBR in counteracting tumor growth and progression in various types of cancer and, in particular, in neuroblastoma. However, BBR administration, besides its numerous beneficial effects, presents a few side effects due to inhibition of MAO A enzyme in neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, herein, we proposed a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome side effects of BBR administration consisting of concomitant administration of BBR together with β-blockers in neuroblastoma.

Modification of radiosensitivity by Curcumin in human pancreatic cancer cell lines

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies and is characterized by a low 5-year survival rate, a broad genetic diversity and a high resistance to conventional therapies. As a result, novel therapeutic agents to improve the current situation are needed urgently. Curcumin, a polyphenolic colorant derived from Curcuma longa root, showed pleiotropic influences on cellular pathways in vitro and amongst others anti-cancer properties including sensitization of tumor cells to chemo- and radiation-therapy. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Curcumin on the radiosensitivity of the established human pancreatic cancer cell lines Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 in vitro. In contrast to MiaPaCa-2 cells, we found a significant radiosensitization by Curcumin in the more radioresistant Panc-1 cells, possibly caused by cell cycle arrest in the most radiation-sensitive G2/M-phase at the time of irradiation. Furthermore, a significant enhancement of radiation-induced apoptosis, DNA-double-strand breaks and G2/M-arrest after curcumin treatment was observed in both cell lines. These in vitro findings suggest that especially patients with more radioresistant tumors could benefit from a radiation-concomitant, phytotherapeutic therapy with Curcumin.

Anticancer Properties of Curcumin and Interactions With the Circadian Timing System

The phytochemical curcumin is a major component of turmeric. It has recognized activity against cancer cells and affects several intracellular signaling pathways. Many molecules targeted by curcumin also regulate the circadian timing system that has effects on carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Although the circadian clock within cells may be suppressed in tumors, cancer cells are subjected to daily hormonal and neural activity that should be considered when timing optimal curcumin treatments. Rapid curcumin degradation in blood and tissues provides a challenge to maintaining sustained levels suitable for inducing cancer cell death, increasing the need to identify when during the circadian cycle rhythmically expressed molecular targets are present. Curcumin is well tolerated by individuals ingesting it for possible cancer prevention or in combination with conventional cancer therapies, and it shows low toxicity toward noncancerous cells at low dosages. In contrast, curcumin is particularly effective against cancer stem cells, which are treatment-resistant, aggressive, and tumor-initiating. Although curcumin has poor bioavailability, more stable curcumin analogs retain the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimitotic, and pro-apoptotic benefits of curcumin. Anticancer properties are also present in congeners of curcumin in turmeric and after curcumin reduction by intestinal microbes. Various commercial curcuminoid products are highly popular dietary supplements, but caution is warranted. Although antioxidant properties of curcumin may prevent carcinogenesis, studies suggest curcumin interferes with certain chemotherapeutic agents. This review delves into the complex network of curcuminoid effects to identify potential anticancer strategies that may work in concert with daily physiological cycles controlled by the circadian timing system.

Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine

Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.

Cytotoxic effects of 4'-hydroxychalcone on human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y)

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive form of cancer with high mortality. Hydroxychalcones have received considerable attention because of their cytotoxic activities on cancer cells. However, the effect of the 4'-hydroxychalcone on neuroblastoma cells is unknown. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cytotoxicity of 4HC to neuroblastoma and the importance of mitochondrial effects in its action mechanism using an in vitro model of SH-SY5Y cells. Incubation of cultured SHSY5Y cells with 10-60 μM 4HC (24 h) decreased cell confluency, cellular metabolic activity and depleted intracellular ATP relative to the vehicle-treated control. The mechanism of 4HC-induced cell toxicity likely involves mitochondria dysfunctional as judged by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, depolarization of mitochondria membrane potential and intracellular and morphological alterations. Furthermore, loss of cell viability was accompanied mainly by increase of phosphatidylserine exposure on the surface of cells, suggesting that the flavonoid may induce apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, treatment inhibited SH-SY5Y cell migration/proliferation in a scratch assay and induced significant changes in the cell cycle progression. Our results showed the effects of 4HC in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y are associated with mitochondrial dysfunctional, depletion of intracellular ATP levels, ROS increase, alteration in cell cycle progression and cellular morphology.

Mechanism of Apoptosis Induced by Curcumin in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top three cancer with higher incident and mortality rate worldwide. It is estimated that about over than 1.1 million of death and 2.2 million new cases by the year 2030. The current treatment modalities with the usage of chemo drugs such as FOLFOX and FOLFIRI, surgery and radiotherapy, which are usually accompanied with major side effects, are rarely cured along with poor survival rate and at higher recurrence outcome. This trigger the needs of exploring new natural compounds with anti-cancer properties which possess fewer side effects. Curcumin, a common spice used in ancient medicine was found to induce apoptosis by targeting various molecules and signaling pathways involved in CRC. Disruption of the homeostatic balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis could be one of the promoting factors in colorectal cancer progression. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of apoptosis regulation by curcumin in CRC with regard to molecular targets and associated signaling pathways.

Curcumin Suppresses the Colon Cancer Proliferation by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways via miR-130a

Curcumin exhibits anti-tumor effects in several cancers, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of curcumin in colon cancer cells. SW480 cells were injected into mice to establish the xenograft tumor model, followed by evaluation of survival rate with the treatment of curcumin. The expression levels of β-catenin, Axin and TCF4 were measured in the SW480 cells in the absence or presence of curcumin. Moreover, miRNAs related to the curcumin treatment were also detected in vitro. Curcumin could suppress the growth of colon cancer cells in the mouse model. This anti-tumor activity of curcumin was exerted by inhibiting cell proliferation rather than promoting cell apoptosis. Further study suggested that curcumin inhibited cell proliferation by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MiR-130a was down-regulated by curcumin treatment, and overexpressing miR-130a could abolish the anti-tumor activity of curcumin. Our study confirms that curcumin is able to inhibit colon cancer by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathways via miR-130a. MiR-130a may serve as a new target of curcumin for CRC treatment.

The functional genomic studies of curcumin

Curcumin is a natural plant-derived compound that has attracted a lot of attention for its anti-cancer activities. Curcumin can slow proliferation of and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines, but the precise mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. However, many lines of evidence suggested that curcumin has a potent impact on gene expression profiles; thus, functional genomics should be the key to understanding how curcumin exerts its anti-cancer activities. Here, we review the published functional genomic studies of curcumin focusing on cancer. Typically, a cancer cell line or a grafted tumor were exposed to curcumin and profiled with microarrays, methylation assays, or RNA-seq. Crucially, these studies are in agreement that curcumin has a powerful effect on gene expression. In the majority of the studies, among differentially expressed genes we found genes involved in cell signaling, apoptosis, and the control of cell cycle. Curcumin can also induce specific methylation changes, and is a powerful regulator of the expression of microRNAs which control oncogenesis. We also reflect on how the broader technological progress in transcriptomics has been reflected on the field of curcumin. We conclude by discussing the areas where more functional genomic studies are highly desirable. Integrated OMICS approaches will clearly be the key to understanding curcumin's anticancer and chemopreventive effects. Such strategies may become a template for elucidating the mode of action of other natural products; many natural products have pleiotropic effects that are well suited for a systems-level analysis.