# Harnessing the Power of p53 with Panaxynol from American Ginseng to Suppress Colitis and Prevent Colon Cancer - admin supp

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · 2021 · $26,540

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition with a high risk for development of colon cancer. This
illness has a high financial burden due to its relapsing and remitting features. Emerging evidence links the
intestinal neuro-immune axis to the development and progression of IBD. Both macrophages and sensory
afferent nerves are in close proximity in the gastrointestinal system, and they have the machinery necessary to
communicate with one another. Thus, we are interested in targeting the immunological and neurological
components of IBD and associated colon cancer. Specifically, we want to study the neuro-immune interactions
between macrophages and sensory afferent nerves. Panaxynol is a bioactive component of American
Ginseng, carrots, celery, and fennel. Panaxynol has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and
neuroprotective effects, which make it an ideal compound to test our hypothesis that panaxynol can modulate
neuro-immune interactions in colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer. Two aims are proposed: 1) To
determine the impact of panaxynol on sensory afferent nerves in the gastrointestinal system, and 2) To
examine whether panaxynol influences macrophage interactions with sensory nerves. Based on the current
literature and our previous work using methodical and scientifically rigorous protocols, we hypothesize that
panaxynol can be developed as a safe, cost-effective anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective agent to be used
for IBD and associated colon cancer.
The studies in this proposal were designed by Gustavo and his Mentors (Drs. Murphy and Velazquez) taking
into consideration: 1) previous research and training, 2) need for additional training, 3) research potential, 4)
mentors’ commitment to training, 5) available resources, 6) career goals and objectives, and 7) the public
health importance of the proposed research. Drs. Murphy (MPI on parent grant and Mentor) and Dr. Velazquez
(Mentor) will guide Gustavo through each aspect of the research and training plan. Specifically, Dr. Murphy will
provide training in aspects that involve immune function including macrophages and Dr. Velazquez will provide
training in aspects involving neuro-protective properties of panaxynol. Both mentors will provide guidance in
natural compound (panaxynol) research, and in colitis/cancer models. It also is important to point out that Drs.
Murphy and Velazquez are at different stages of their careers so not only will their research areas complement
each other but so will their training in professional development. Under this award it is expected that Gustavo
will: 1) achieve new training in cutting edge techniques in cancer, immunology, and neuroscience research, 2)
publish at least 6 papers with a minimum of 2 as first author, and 3) be successful in attaining a post-doctoral
fellow position at a top-notch research institute. The elaborate research and career development training plan
that is proposed will ensure t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10380268
- **Project number:** 3R01CA246809-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** ELIZABETH ANGELA MURPHY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $26,540
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10380268

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10380268, Harnessing the Power of p53 with Panaxynol from American Ginseng to Suppress Colitis and Prevent Colon Cancer - admin supp (3R01CA246809-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10380268. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*