To assess biological properties of yellow mustard mucilage on skin cells in vitro

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To assess biological properties of yellow mustard mucilage on skin cells in vitro Canada is the number one global exporter of yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.), which is used mainly in cooking and industrial food production. Yellow mustard is unique among the different mustard varieties by its bran being rich in mucilage; hence other uses of yellow mustard mucilage (MM) outside the food industry would bring additional economic benefits to mustard industry. Our team of three NSERC-supported applicants, which has the expertise and proprietary rights for an efficient method of extraction of MM, conducted a preliminary study and identified a novel growth-suppressive activity of MM on mutant but not normal human skin cells. In the present project, we wish to validate our initial observation and establish a proof of principle using a larger panel of normal and mutant human skin fibroblasts, melanocytes and keratinocytes. Since these abnormal skin cells carry mutations in genes such as p53, B-raf, PTEN and N-ras, which control growth and death in multiple cell types, we will assess the effect of MM on cell survival, cell cycle and cell death-related parameters to characterize the preferential effect of MM on mutant skin cells. We will also examine MM-induced alterations in metabolomics profile of these cells to identify metabolic pathways implicated in growth-suppressive function of MM. Our fundamental observations will provide a platform for future higher value-added applications of MM beyond the food industry. Our industry partner Mustard 21 Canada Inc. has provided a firm support to our program because of its potential to bring benefits to mustard growers across Canada. Thus, our research program offers an opportunity for extensive training of highly qualified personnel in an industry-university collaborative environment aimed at identifying the beneficial industrial applications of fundamental research activities.