RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) Induces Apoptosis and Blocks Migration of Human Medulloblastoma Cells JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 499 OP 504 VO 30 IS 2 A1 MADHAVI LATHA YADAV BANGARU A1 SHENGLIN CHEN A1 JEFFREY WOODLIFF A1 SANJAY KANSRA YR 2010 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/30/2/499.abstract AB Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Bcl-2 and MMP-9 promote the pathogenesis and progression of MB. The expression of both bcl-2 and MMP-9 is regulated by the transcription factor NF-κB. Curcumin, a natural food additive, has a potent anti-proliferative effect, presumably mediated through NF-κB suppression. The tumor-suppressing effects of curcumin are well documented, however, its effect on MB is unknown. Our objectives were to: a) examine the effect of curcumin on MB cell proliferation and apoptosis; b) characterize the mechanism that mediates the effect of curcumin; c) examine the effects of curcumin on MB cell migration. We report that curcumin inhibited cell proliferation and blocked clonogenicity of MB cells. Furthermore, curcumin down-regulated bcl-2 and bclxl, leading to caspase-mediated cell death. Finally, curcumin blocked migration of MB cells. Thus, we propose developing curcumin as a novel therapeutic agent for MB. Copyright© 2010 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved