Chromium exposure and RNA changes that can drive lung cancer
Dysregulations of functional RNA modifications and hexavalent chromium lungcarcinogenesis
Researchers are looking at how long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium alters a common RNA chemical tag in lung cells and how that may lead to lung cancer in exposed people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235911 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how hexavalent chromium exposure changes N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA marks and raises the METTL3 protein in lung cells. They will use laboratory models including human cells and animal experiments to see whether these RNA changes make cells behave like cancer cells. The team will compare samples from chromium-exposed versus unexposed sources, including human-derived material when available, to find consistent molecular differences. The goal is to identify measurable markers or molecular steps that could point to prevention or treatment opportunities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of occupational or environmental exposure to hexavalent chromium (for example, certain industrial workers or residents near contaminated sites) would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung cancer is clearly unrelated to chromium exposure or who have other non–chromium-driven diseases are unlikely to directly benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular markers and targets that help detect or prevent chromium-related lung cancer earlier or guide new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other cancer studies have shown that m6A RNA changes and METTL3 can influence tumor behavior, but applying this approach specifically to chromium-driven lung cancer is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Chengfeng — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Yang, Chengfeng
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.