Advancing Nutritional Biochemistry Through In-Vitro Pathway Analysis
At Erez Functional Medicine, we maintain a dedicated research program focused on understanding how bioactive compounds found in foods, herbs, and nutraceuticals influence the molecular pathways involved in oncogenesis, cellular resilience, metabolic regulation, and longevity science.
We also partner with supplement and nutraceutical companies to help validate the mechanistic activity of their compounds in these pathways.
Our objective is clear:
to identify natural compounds with measurable, biologically meaningful effects on the same pathways targeted by advanced pharmaceuticals used in oncology and longevity sciences.
This work supports our mission to integrate functional medicine with modern molecular biology and translate bench insights into precise, evidence‑informed clinical strategies relevant to longevity and oncology.
Laboratory Methods
We conduct this work internally and also collaborate with specialized Contract Research Organizations (CROs) for advanced assays, expanded screening capacity, and independent validation when needed.
1) Compound Selection
We evaluate botanical extracts, purified bioactive molecules (polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, peptides), and naturally occurring metabolites.
2) In-Vitro Model Systems
Human cell lines are selected based on defined pathway dependence, oncogenic mutation profiles (including KRAS, BRAF, EGFR, and PI3K pathway variants), p53 status, metabolic phenotypes (such as high mTOR dependency or AMPK sensitivity), and specific oxidative‑stress or inflammatory‑response characteristics.
3) Assays & Readouts
Our assay framework is designed to capture pathway‑specific, mechanistic effects rather than nonspecific cytotoxicity. Multiple orthogonal readouts are used to validate findings.
Signal Transduction:
- Western blot analysis of pERK, pMEK, pAKT, pS6, p4EBP1 to assess MAPK and PI3K–mTOR pathway modulation
- Reporter assays for NRF2/ARE, NF‑κB, and other transcriptional regulators to evaluate cytoprotective and inflammatory signaling
Cell Fate & Stress Response:
- Caspase 3/7 activity to measure apoptosis
- Autophagy flux assays (LC3‑II, p62 with lysosomal‑inhibition confirmation) to distinguish true flux from accumulation
- Mitochondrial membrane potential assays to assess mitochondrial stability
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification for oxidative‑stress profiling
Cell‑Cycle & Genomic Stability:
- Flow cytometry for G0/G1, S, and G2/M distribution to identify cycle arrest patterns
- γH2AX and additional DNA‑damage response markers to evaluate genomic stress and repair activity
4) Reference Standards
Findings are benchmarked against established pharmaceutical pathway modulators to determine specificity, potency, and biologically relevant concentration ranges.
Translational Value
We collaborate with supplement and nutraceutical companies developing specialized, high‑purity compounds, and when appropriate, integrate third‑party CRO support to strengthen analytical rigor.
Through standardized in‑vitro assays and pathway‑specific readouts, we assess whether these formulations exert quantifiable effects on validated longevity, metabolic, inflammatory, and tumor‑suppressor signaling networks.
This evidence‑driven approach enables partners to substantiate mechanistic claims, optimize formulations, and identify compounds with reproducible biological relevance prior to clinical or commercial deployment.
Integration Into Clinical Care
These findings support personalized nutritional and supplement strategies aligned with each patient’s metabolic profile, goals, and laboratory data. All clinical recommendations remain grounded in safety and coordination with appropriate medical specialists.
Contact
If you are a nutraceutical company seeking consulting support — including formulation review, mechanistic interpretation, pathway‑focused strategy development, or incorporation of your compounds into our in‑vitro research program — Get in touch!
Or – if you are interested in partnering on compound screening, mechanistic validation, custom assay development... Get in touch!
Or – CRO‑supported studies... Contact us!
Or – if you are interested in partnering on compound screening, mechanistic validation, custom assay development... Get in touch!
Or – CRO‑supported studies... Contact us!
please contact: lab@drerez.com
Important Note
This research program is focused on mechanistic and translational science. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure disease and should not replace oncology or specialty medical care.