Dr. Malafa's research group focuses on vitamin E signaling pathways and biomarkers in pancreatic cancer. Previously his group demonstrated vitamin E succinate inhibition of oncogenic Ras signaling pathways (Donapaty et al, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2006). Following up on this work, his group identified the most bioactive vitamin E analogue, delta-tocotrienol, in pancreatic cancer cells and reported that therapeutic levels of delta-tocotrienol was achieved in mice pancreas following oral administration. Dr. Malafa and his collaborators have embarked on a strategy to comprehend signaling pathways active in pancreatic cancer cells and targeted by vitamin E delta-tocotrienol, employing affinity chromatography, chemical proteomics, and mass spectrometry to identify direct interacting proteins. They identified nearly 20 different protein targets of delta-tocotrienol. One of the targets, hCAS, was shown to be is a relevant target of delta-tocotrienol action and a valid novel target in pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Future directions in the lab consist of using small molecule-protein binding interactions to define the biochemical target(s) of vitamin E tocotrienol anticancer activity and thereby identify novel targets for the prevention of malignancy