Mentor: Haifei Shi, Ph.D.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with about 52,980 deaths annually in the United States and 930,000 globally, while obesity—affecting over 40% of U.S. adults—is linked to a ~33% increased CRC risk. Although this association is well established, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Obesity-related factors such as leptin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activate inflammatory pathways, particularly NF-κB, a transcription factor that promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Key NF-κB–regulated genes include NFKBIA, which encodes a negative feedback regulator of NF-κB, and PTGS2 (COX-2), a major mediator of inflammation and tumor progression. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management, and tyrosol, a phenolic compound found in olive oil, have both shown anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects through modulation of NF-κB signaling; however, their individual and combined molecular effects in CRC remain insufficiently understood, highlighting an important gap in current research.

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