Michael Wargovich, Ph.D.
Professor
Our laboratory investigates ways to prevent colon cancer. Our focus is on the chemoprevention of cancer - “Chemoprevention” is a discipline of cancer research that is less than 20 years old and embraces the idea that cancer can be prevented or precancers can be inhibited from progressing to cancer by the use of natural compounds or pharmaceuticals. We study cancer biology using a number of human cancer cell lines and also utilize novel animal models for colon cancer. Natural products can include substances from wine and green tea, fruits and vegetables, compounds in herbs and spices, vitamins and minerals, and dietary supplements. The lab has an interest in both terrestrial and marine botanicals. Via the pharmaceutical route, drug development has led to the discovery of compounds like tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer, aspirin for colon cancer.
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Professional Background
Education
- 1981 - PhD - Microbiology - Texas Tech University
- 1977 - MS - Biological Sciences - Duquesne University
- 1974 - BA - Biology - Washington and Jefferson College
- Postdoctoral Fellowship - Cancer Prevention Research - Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto Branch for Human Cancer Preve
- Postdoctoral Fellowship - Biomedical Sciences - OVC, University of Guelph
- Postdoctoral Fellowship - Medical Biophysics - Ontario Cancer Institute
Appointments
- 1/2013 - Professor/Research - University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan Antonio
- 10/2012 - Professor - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Molecular Medicine, San Antonio
- 1/2012 - Co-Founder - CanSurvive Cuisine, LLCCharleston
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- Instruction & Training
- Research & Grants
- Publications