Cimona V. Hinton, PhD

Cimona V. Hinton, PhD 

Professor

Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology

Location: Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor, C340
Phone: (404) 752-1505
E-mail: cvhinton@msm.edu

Education

POSTGRADUATE:
Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Tumor Biology

GRADUATE:
Meharry Medical College
Degree: Ph.D in Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry

UNDERGRADUATE:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Research Interests

Our primary interests are mechanisms by which cannabinoid receptors and substances inhibit prostate cancer progression. We have investigated biochemical pathways involved in the formation of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimers, specifically between cannabinoid receptors and chemokine receptors, that results in an interruption of signaling from chemokine receptors, which otherwise, encourages tumor cell motility. These dimer pairs have uncovered important biochemical roles by which cannabinoid receptors receive and process signals, and disrupt the flow of intermediate messengers, to inhibit the function and physiological responses of tumors.

Moving forward, we plan to study the potential impacts of cannabinoids and their receptors during lifespan, particularly regarding the persistent pain caused by tumors and their migration, as well as its potential benefits for prevention. An emerging interest in my research group focuses on pro-tumorigenic oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-bearing macrophages, that activate tumor motility pathways, and progress prostate cancer via CXCR4, NOX2, NFκB and other oxidant signaling molecules. We’ve found that tumor cells adapt and survive oxidative stress via a temporary quiescent phenotype.

We’re also investigating the recruitment of ROS-bearing macrophages, by tumors, to increase intracellular ROS concentration for the activation of motility pathways. Overall, the goal of our work is to contribute to the secondary prevention of metastasis by uncovering, and controlling, cancerous or precancerous processes while tumors are still localized.

Clinical Interests

Phytocannabinoid & Endocannabinoid System Research, Medical Cannabis Research, and Kessler Foundation Project

Publications

  • Bai L, Li X, Yang Y, Zhao R, White EZ, Danaher A, Bowen NJ, Hinton CV, Cook N, Li D, Wu AY, Qui M, Du Y, Fu H, Kucuk O, Wu D. Bromocriptine monotherapy overcomes prostate cancer chemoresistance in preclinical models. Transl Oncol. 2023 Aug;34:101707. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101707. Epub 2023 Jun 2. PMID: 37271121; PMCID: PMC10248552.
  • Campbell T, Hawsawi O, Henderson V, Dike P, Hwang BJ, Liadi Y, White EZ, Zou J, Wang G, Zhang Q, Bowen N, Scott D, Hinton CV, Odero-Marah V. Novel roles for HMGA2 isoforms in regulating oxidative stress and sensitizing to RSL3-Induced ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells. Heliyon. 2023 Apr 7;9(4):e14810. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14810. PMID: 37113783; PMCID: PMC10126861.
  • Pennant NM, Hinton CV. The evolution of cannabinoid receptors in cancer. WIREs Mech Dis. 2023 Jul-Aug;15(4):e1602. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1602. Epub 2023 Feb 7. PMID: 36750231; PMCID: PMC10484301.
  • Campbell T, Hawsawi O, Henderson V, Dike P, Hwang BJ, Liadi Y, White EZ, Zou J, Wang G, Zhang Q, Bowen N, Scott D, Hinton CV, Odero-Marah V. Novel roles for HMGA2 isoforms in regulating oxidative stress and sensitizing to RSL3-Induced ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells. Heliyon. 2023 Apr 7;9(4):e14810. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14810. PMID: 37113783; PMCID: PMC10126861.
  • Scarlett KA, White EZ, Coke CJ, Carter JR, Bryant LK, Hinton CV. Agonist-induced CXCR4 and CB2 Heterodimerization Inhibits Gα13/RhoA-mediated Migration. Mol Cancer Res. 2018 Apr;16(4):728-739. doi: 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-16-0481. Epub 2018 Jan 12. PMID: 29330286; PMCID: PMC5882517.
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Honors and Awards

  • Chair, External Advisory Committee-Delaware-INBRE Program (NIGMS)
  • Harold D. West, Ph.D. Distinguished Alumni Award - Meharry Medical College
  • 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America - Cell Journal
  • Graduate Impact Award - Clark Atlanta University
  • AACR-MSI Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Award - American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
  • Member, Cancer Prevention Study Section (NIH)
  • Committee Member, AACR Trust in Science Initiative
  • Scientific Review Committee-AACR Cancer Health Disparities Conference Commissioning Editorial Board-WIREs Mechanism of Disease