Chromosome Instability and Metal-Linked Lung Cancer
Official title: Chromosome Instability Drives Metal-Induced Lung Cancer
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11417485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how metal exposure can start or worsen lung cancer by causing chromosome instability, with a focus on cells from the human lung.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $846,674 |
| NIH project number | 5R35ES032876-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer, especially those with exposure to metals like chromium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without exposure to metals or with cancers not driven by chromosome instability may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at how carcinogenic metals, especially hexavalent chromium, drive changes in chromosomes that lead to lung cancer. Researchers will use human lung cell models, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, to study these mechanisms. The goal is to uncover why some people exposed to metals develop cancer even if they never smoked and to identify potential points for prevention or treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better prevention strategies and new targets for therapy in metal-related lung cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked metal exposure to chromosome instability and lung cancer, supporting the approach but with ongoing need for confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wise, John Pierce — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Wise, John Pierce
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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.