Faculty

Education

• Ph.D. in Human Genetics.
  University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, U.S.A. 1998.
• M.S. in Agricultural Chemistry.
  Seoul National University, Korea, 1991
• B.S. in Agricultural Chemistry
  Seoul National University, Korea, 1989.

Professional Experience

• 2003 - Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Knoxville, TN
• 2002-2003 Research Fellow, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC
• 1998-2002 IRTA Fellowship, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC

Grant

• 2006-2011 National Institutes of Health/NCI RO1CA108975
• 2006-2009 American Cancer Society RSG-06-124-01-CNE
• 2005-2007 National Institutes of Health R21CA109423
• 2003-2006 National Institutes of Health, 1 K22 ES011657-01A1

Research Interests

My lab has been focusing on the study of gene expression byanti-cancer compounds, found in diet, nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), PPAR g-ligands, and anti-oxidants. Our understanding of the mechanisms by which those compounds exert their anti tumor effect is not clear, but apoptosis induction is one mechanism to explain their anti-tumorigenic activity. We have investigated the stimulation of apoptosis in cultured cells by NSAIDs, and NSAID activated gene (NAG-1), which is a TGF-b superfamily protein, was identified. NAG-1 has anti-tumorigenic activity, and stimulates apoptosis in colorectal and other cancer cell lines. NAG-1 basal expression is up regulated by Sp1, Sp3, and COUP-TF1 transcriptional factors, and by activators of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Interestingly, NAG-1 is induced not only by NSAIDs, but also by several anti-tumorigenic compounds such as dietary compounds, nuclear receptor ligands, anti-oxidants, and some anti-cancer drugs. For the current interesting, we are focusing on 1) promoter analysis of NAG-1 including the identification of cis-acting and trans-acting elements responsible for several compounds, 2) the elucidation of biological function(s) of NAG-1 protein in apoptosis and other pathophysiological role using cell culture and animal models.

Courses Taught

• CEM 609: Mechanisms of Disease

Professional Societies

• American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• American Association for Cancer Research

Recent Selected Publications

1. Lim YC, Lee SH, Song MH, Yamaguchi K, Yoon JH, Choi EC, and Baek SJ (2006) Growth inhibition and apoptosis by (-)-epicatechin gallate are mediated by cyclin D1 suppression inhead and neck squamous carcinoma cells. Eur J Cancer. In Press.
2. Baek SJ, Okazaki R, Lee SH, Martinez J, Kim JS, Yamaguchi K, Mishina Y, Martin D, Shoieb A, McEntee M, and Eling TE(2006) NAG-1/MIC-1/GDF-15 Over-Expression in Transgenic Mice Suppresses Colorectal Neoplasia. Gastroenterology. In Press.
3. Martinez J, Sali T, Okazaki R, Hollingshead M, Hose C, Monks A, Baek SJ, Walker N, and Eling TE (2006) Drug induced up-regulation of NAG-1 attenuates tumor formation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Aug 318(2):899-906.
4. Lambert JR, Kelly JA, Shim M, Huffer WE, Nordeen, SK, Baek SJ, Eling TE, and Lucia SM. (2006) Prostate derived factor in human prostate cancer cells: Gene induction by vitamin Dvia a p53 dependent mechanism and inhibition of PCa cell growth.J Cell Physiol Jun. 208(3):566-574.
5. Lee SH, Yamaguchi K, Kim JS, Eling TE, Safe S, Park Y, and Baek SJ (2006) Conjugated linoleic acid stimulates NAG-1 expression by isomer specific manner. Carcinogenesis.May27(5):972-981.
6. Yamaguchi K, Lee SH, ElingTE, and Baek SJ. (2006) Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of NAG-1 by a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligand MCC-555 in human colorectal cancer cells. Submitted to Mol CancerTher. May 5(5):1352-1361.>
7. Wu WW, Wang G, Baek SJ, and Shen RF (2006) Comparative Study of Three Proteomic Quantitative Methods, DIGE, cICAT, and iTRAQ, Using 2D Gel- orLC-MALDI TOF/TOF J Proteome Res. Mar 5(3):651-658.
8. Yamaguchi K, Lee SH, Kim JS, Wimalasena J, Kitajima S, and Baek SJ (2006) Activating transcription factor 3 and early growth response-1 are the novel targets of LY294002 in a PI3K independent manner. CancerRes. Feb 66(4): 2376-2384.
9. Yamaguchi K, Liggett JL, Kim NC, and Baek SJ (2006) Anti-proliferative effect of horehound leaf and wild cherry bark extracts on human colorectal cancer cells.Oncol Rep. Jan 15(1):275-281.
10. Baek SJ, and Eling TE (2006) Changesin gene expression contribute to cancer prevention by COX inhibitors. Prog Lipid Res. Jan.45(1):1-16.>
11. Chintharlapalli S, Papineni S, Baek SJ, Liu S, and Safe S. (2005) 1,1-Bis(3’-indolyl)-1-(p-substitutedphenyl)methanes Activate peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor g in HCT-116 colon cancer cells but decreased cell survival through receptor-independent activation of NAG-1. Mol Pharmacol. Dec 68(6):1782-1792.
12. Yoon JH, and Baek SJ (2005) Molecular Targets of Dietary Polyphenols with anti-inflammatory Properties. Review. Yonsei Med J. Oct.46(5):585-596.
13. Kim JS, Baek SJ, Bottone FG, Sali T and Eling TE. (2005) Over-expression of15-lipoxygenase-1 induces growth arrest via phosphorylation of p53 in human colorectal cancer cells>. Mol Cancer Res. Sep 3(9):511-7.
14. Kim JH, Yamaguchi K, Lee SH, Tithof PK, Sayler GS, Yoon JH, and Baek SJ. (2005) Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the activation of early growth response-1 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors. Toxicol Sci. May 85(1):585-593.
15. Lee SH, Kim JS, Yamaguchi K, ElingTE, and Baek SJ (2005) Indole-3-carbinol and3,3'-diindolylmethane induce expression of NAG-1 in ap53-independent manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Mar. 328(1):63-69.
16. Kim JS, Baek SJ, Sali T, and Eling TE (2005) The conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrug sulindac sulfide arrests ovarian cancer cell growth via the expression of NAG-1/MIC-1/GDF-15. Mol Cancer Ther.Mar. 4(3):487-493.
17. Cho KN, Choi JY, Kim CH, BaekSJ, Chung KC, Moon UY, Kim KS, Lee WJ, Koo JS, and Yoon JH (2005) Prostaglandin E2 Induces MUC8 Gene Expression via a Mechanism Involving ERK MAPK/RSK1/CREB Activation in Human Airway Epithelial Cells. J Biol Chem. Feb 280(8):6676-6681.
18. Baek SJ, Kim JS, Moore SM, Lee SH, Martinez J, and Eling TE. (2005) Cyclooxygenase inhibitors induce the expression of the tumor suppressor gene EGR-1, which results in the up-regulation of NAG-1, an anti-tumorigenic protein. Mol Pharmacol. Feb. 67(2): 356-364.
19. Jain AK, Moore SM, Yamaguchi K, Eling TE, and Baek SJ. (2004) ive NSAIDs Induce Thymosin β-4and Alter Actin Cytoskeletal Organization in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Dec. 311(3):885-891.
20. Kim KS, Yoon JH, Kim JK, Baek SJ, Eling TE, Lee WJ, Ryu JH, Lee JG, Lee JH, Yoo JB (2004). Cyclooxygenase inhibitors induce apoptosis in oral cavity cancer cells by increased expression of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Dec.325(4):1298-1303.
21. Fry MM, Liggett JL, and Baek SJ. (2004) Molecular cloning and expression of canine hepcidin.Vet Clin Pathol. Dec. 33(4):223-227.
22. Baek SJ, Kim JS, Jackson FR, Eling TE, McEntee MF, and Lee SH. (2004) Epicatechingallate-induced expression of NAG-1 is associated with growth inhibition and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.Carcinogenesis, Dec. 25(12):2425-2432.
23. Martinez JM, Baek SJ, Mays DM, Tithof PK, Eling TE, Walker NJ. (2004) EGR-1 Is a Novel Target for AhR Agonists in Human Lung Epithelial Cells. Toxicol Sci. Dec, 82(2):429-435.
24. Yamaguchi K, Lee SH, Eling TE, and Baek SJ (2004) Identification of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-activated gene (NAG-1) as a Novel Downstream Target of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT/GSK3β pathway. J Biol Chem. Nov 279(48): 49617-49623.
25. Baek SJ, Kim JS, Nixon JB, DiAugustine RP, and Eling TE. (2004) Expression of NAG-1, a TGF-β superfamily member, by troglitazone requires the early growth response gene Egr-1. J Biol Chem. Feb,279(8):6883-6892.
26. Kim KS, Shin JH, Baek SJ, YoonJH. (2003) Expression of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-activated Gene-1 in Human Nasal Mucosa and Cultured Nasal Epithelial Cells: A Preliminary Investigation>. Acta Oto-Laryngol, Oct123(7):857-861
27. Lee CH, Jang YS, Her SJ, Moon YM,Baek SJ, and Eling TE. (2003) Nordihydroguiaretic acid, the antioxidant, inhibits TGF-b activity through the inhibition of Smad signaling pathway. Exp.Cell Res. Oct,289(2):335-341
28. Wilson L, Baek SJ, and ElingTE. (2003) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) is induced by genistein through the expression of p53 in colorectal cancer cells. Int J Cancer. Jul,105(6):747-753.
29. Nixon JB, Kamitani H, Baek SJ, and Eling TE. (2003) Evaluation of eicosanoids and NSAIDs as PPARgamma ligands in colorectal carcinoma cells. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. May, 68(5):323-330.
30. Baek SJ, Wilson L, Hsi L, and Eling TE (2003). Troglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma (PPARgamma) Ligand, ively Induces the Early Growth Response-1 Gene Independently of PPARgamma. A NOVEL MECHANISM FOR ITS ANTI-TUMORIGENIC ACTIVITY.
    J Biol Chem. Feb, 278(8):5845-5853.
31. Newman D, Sakaue M, Koo JS, Kim KS, Baek SJ, Eling TE, and Jetten AM. (2003). Differential regulation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene innormal human tracheobronchial epithelial and lung carcinoma cellsby retinoids. Mol Pharmacol. Mar, 63(3):557-64.
32. Baek SJ, Wilson L, Lee, CH,and Eling TE. (2002) Dual Function of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase and Induction of NSAID-Activated Gene. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. June, 301(3):1126-1131.
33. Kim, KS, Baek SJ, Flake, G,Loftin CD, Calvo BF, and Eling, TE (2002). Expression and regulation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene(NAG-1) in human and mouse tissue. Gastroenterology. May,122(5):1388-1398.
34. Bottone, FG, Baek SJ, Nixon,JB, and Eling, TE (2002). Diallyl Disulfide (DADS) Induces the Antitumorigenic NSAID-Activated Gene (NAG-1) by a p53-Dependent Mechanism in Human Colorectal HCT 116 Cells. J Nutr. Apr,132(4):773-778.
35. Baek SJ, Wilson L, and Eling TE (2002). Resveratrol enhances the expression of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) by increasing the expression of p53. Carcinogenesis, Mar, 23(3): 425-434.
36. Fritsche E, Baek SJ, King, LM, Zeldin DC, Eling TE, and Bell DA (2001) Functional characterization of COX-2 polymorphisms. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 299(2): 468-76.
37. Kameda H, Risinger JI, Han BB, Baek SJ, Barrett JC, Abe T, Takeuchi T, Glasgow WC, ElingTE. (2001) Expression of gab1 lacking the pleckstrin homology domain is associated with neoplastic progression. Mol Cell Biol. 21(20): 6895-6905.
38. Baek SJ, Horowitz JM, and Eling TE. (2001) Molecular cloning and characterization of human anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene promoter: Basal transcription is mediated by Sp1 and Sp3. J Biol Chem. 276(36): 33384-33392.
39. Kameda H, Risinger JI, Han B-B, Baek SJ, Barrett C, Glasgow WC, and Eling TE. (2001) Identification of epidermal growth factor receptor-Grb2-associated binder-1-SHP-2 complex formation and its functional loss during neoplastic cell progression. Cell Growth Differ. 12(6):307-318.
40. Ikawa H, Kameda H, Kamitani H, Baek SJ, Nixon JB, Hsi LC, and Eling TE. (2001) Effects of PPAR activators on cytokine-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human colorectal carcinoma cells. Exp Cell Res. 267(1):73-80.
41. Baek SJ, Kim KS, Nixon J, Wilson L, and Eling TE. (2001) Cyclooxygenase inhibitors regulate the expression of a TGF-b superfamily member that has pro-apoptotic and anti-tumorigenic activities. Mol Pharmacol. 59(4): 901-908.

Baek's Gang