BIO 390-01 - Readings in Biology

2 credits (Fall)

Exploiting Oxidative stress as a Therapeutic Strategy for Treating Cancer. In the quest for more effective cancer treatments, scientists are currently exploring therapies that target the high levels oxidative stress produced by tumor cells. This is because tumor cells produce higher levels of oxidative stress compared to normal cells. The major cause of oxidative stress in tumor cells comes from its production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). If these reactive species are not removed from the tumor cell, they can cause damage to DNA, lipids and proteins in the cell which can lead to cell death. To combat high levels of ROS, tumor cells employ several antioxidant (detoxification) systems to avoid cell death. Thus, oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of ROS in cells (i.e. tumor cells) and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products. In this course, we will critically analyze primary literature and reviews that explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that induce high levels of oxidative stress in tumor cells. This course will also explore how current and prospective cancer therapies enhance oxidative stress in tumor cells and how targeting oxidative stress in tumor cells ironically serves as an effective strategy for treating cancer.

Prerequisite: BIO 252 with grade S, C, or better.
Instructor: Bailey