This project aims to explore the potential of natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, in treating two challenging types of cancer: renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and glioblastoma…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation $299,850 on December 15, 2025, under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216) to investigate phytochemical treatments for renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma.

The research explores the therapeutic potential of natural plant compounds—including capsaicin, curcumin, thymoquinone, and extracts from blueberries and bitter gourd—in triggering apoptosis in cancer cells. The project uses transcriptome analysis to examine gene activity changes in cancer cells exposed to these phytochemicals and applies CRISPR gene editing to identify and validate specific genes critical to the cancer cells' response. The work is performed at West Virginia State University's location in Dunbar, West Virginia, with performance ending December 14, 2028.

Beyond laboratory research, the project integrates findings into the university's curriculum to provide students hands-on training in advanced cancer research techniques and to engage the local community. The 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program supports research, Extension, and teaching capacity at historically Black land-grant universities, including West Virginia State University.

This project aims to explore the potential of natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, in treating two challenging types of cancer: renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and glioblastoma (brain cancer). These cancers often resist conventional treatments, making new therapeutic approaches crucial. The research focuses on several specific phytochemicals, including capsaicin (found in chili peppers), curcumin (from turmeric), thymoquinone (from black cumin seed oil), and extracts from blueberries and bitter gourd. These compounds have shown promise in early studies for their ability to fight cancer cells while causing minimal harm to healthy cells. The project will investigate how these phytochemicals affect cancer cells, particularly their ability to trigger apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death that can help eliminate cancer cells. The researchers will use advanced laboratory techniques to examine how cancer cells respond to these phytochemicals at the genetic level. This involves analyzing changes in gene activity (known as transcriptome analysis) to understand which genes and cellular pathways are affected by the treatment. This information could reveal new targets for cancer therapy and help explain why these natural compounds might be effective against cancer. The project will also use a cutting-edge gene editing technique called crispr to investigate further the roles of specific genes identified in the earlier experiments. By selectively removing or altering these genes, the researchers can confirm their importance in how cancer cells respond to phytochemical treatment. Beyond the laboratory work, this project aims to strengthen west virginia state university's research capabilities, providing students hands-on experience in advanced cancer research techniques. The findings will be integrated into the university's curriculum, helping to train the next generation of cancer researchers. The researchers also plan to engage with the local community through outreach programs, sharing information about the potential health benefits of phytochemicals and promoting healthy living. This aspect of the project recognizes the importance of public health education in cancer prevention. Ultimately, this research could lead to new, less toxic cancer treatments based on natural compounds. IT may also provide insights into how these phytochemicals could be used alongside existing cancer therapies to improve their effectiveness. While the road from laboratory findings to new cancer treatments is long, this project represents an essential step in exploring innovative approaches to combat these challenging forms of cancer.