Professor (214) 828-8264 Room: 12 emiller@bcd.tamhsc.edu Inhibition of Oral Carcinogenesis by Phytochemicals. (more info: http://phytochemicals.tamus.edu).

My graduate and postgraduate research concentrated on RNA synthesis, DNA synthesis, and a unique nuclear enzyme called poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. At Baylor College of Dentistry it was found that this enzyme that was used NAD as a substrate for the formation of poly(ADP-ribose) appears to have a function in DNA repair. 

Since nicotinamide, is required for the formation of NAD, the idea developed that the level of nicotinamide in the diet might influence the response of this enzyme to DNA damage, especially damage from carcinogens. This idea led to my research on cancer chemopreventive agents, chemicals in food that can inhibit the action of carcinogens and inhibit the development of cancer.

During the last ten years, I have concentrated on the anticancer activity of chemical isolated from coffee beans and citrus fruits.  This work has led to a number of cooperative interactions with scientists at other laboratories (Nestle Foods in Switzerland, LKT Laboratories in Minnesota, United States Department of Agriculture in California, the Citrus Research & Education Center in Florida, the Citrus Center in Weslaco, and the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center at Texas A&M). 

Recently research on the inhibition of cell death in irradiated salivary gland cells was initiated.  Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase plays a key role in necrosis and apoptosis.

:: Education

University of Wisconsin, Madison  Wisconsin
Postdoctoral Fellowship (1969-1972), Department of Oncology
University of Texas, Austin Texas
 Ph.D. (1963-1969), Department of Biochemistry
University of Texas, Austin Texas
B.S. (1959-1963), Department of Chemistry 

:: Career History

:: Honors

Teacher of the year, Baylor College of Dentistry - 1989
Elected as an Honorary Member to Omicron Kappa Upsilon - 1997

:: Teaching Responsibilities

Biochemistry/Nutrition (course director), Integrated Biomedical Sciences (dental hygiene), Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program, and a graduate course entitled “Phytochemical in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health (more information on this unique TTVN course which is being given at multiple sites throughout the United States and is being funded by an USDA grant can be found at http://phytochemicals.tamu.edu.

:: Recent Grants

• Pilot Study to Test Isoproterenol’s Radioprotective Action on a Salivary Gland Cell Line.  Baylor Oral Health Foundation, 1999-2002.
• USDA Center Grant (USDA-CSREES #2001-04017) to the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, 2001-2003.
• USDA Center Grant (US DA-CSREES #2001-04530) to the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, 2001-2003.
• Biological Activities of Citrus Flavonoids.  ATP grant -State of Texas, 2002-2004.
• Exploring Biological Activities of Citrus Limonoids: A Multidisplinary Approach. USDA/IFAFS,  2002-2005.

:: Recent Publications

1. Miller EG, Record MT, Binnie WH, Hasegawa S. (2000) Limonoid glucosides: systemic effects on oral carcinogenesis. In: Shahidi F, Ho C-T (eds).  Phytochemicals and Phytopharmaeuticals, AOCS Press, Champaign IL, pp 95-105.
2. Hasegawa S, Lam LKT, Miller EG. (2000)  Citrus limonoids: biochemistry and possible importance to human nutrition. In: Shahidi F, Ho C-T (eds). Phytochemicals and Phytopharmaceuticals, AOS Press, Champaign IL, pp.  95-105.
3. Miller EG, Gonzales AP, Orr AM, Binnie WH, Sunahara GI. (2000)  The anticancer activity of coffee beans. In: Parliment TH, Ho C-T, Schieberle P (eds).  Caffeinated Beverages: Health Benefits, Physiological Effects, and Chemistry.  American Chemical Society , Washington, DC, pp. 56-63.
4. Miller EG, Taylor SE, Berry CW, Zimmermann JA, Hasegawa S. (2000) Citrus limonoids: increasing importance as anticncer agents.  In: erhow MA, Hasegawa S, Manners GD (eds). Citrus Limonoids Functional Chemicals in Agriculture and Food.  American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, pp. 132-144.
5. Tian Q, Miller EG, Ahmad H, Tang L, Patil BS. (2002)  Differential inhibition of human cells by citrus limonoids. Nutr Cancer 40:180-184.