Anna Aureli

Research Interest and expertise in the field of nutraceuticals and functional food
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding protein whose altered expression is often observed in cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Some plant-origin food derived molecules, whose antitumor properties have been extensively proved in the last decades, are gaining in importance for their capacity to suppress Gal-3 expression or to act as competitive inhibitor. Morin, a flavonoid found in figs and other plants, exhibits powerful antitumor effects in several cancers and could inhibit colorectal tumor growth through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. It would be interesting to deep investigate the interaction between morin (and/or other bioactive food compounds) and gal-3, as well as the therapeutic and chemopreventive effects of this interaction on CRC.