circSATB2: a new regulator in arsenic-related cancer
Official title: circSATB2, a novel regulator of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11467706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new gene-related mechanism linked to arsenic exposure and cancer is being studied to understand how a circular RNA from SATB2 may influence cancer development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | January 7, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| Award (this year) | $601,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES036051-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11467706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for arsenic-related cancers or those exposed to high environmental arsenic levels may benefit from future translational insights.
✕Less likely to help
People without arsenic exposure or without risk of arsenic-related cancer may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how inorganic arsenic can change the 3D organization of DNA in cells and how the SATB2 gene and its circular RNA product, circSATB2, may protect or alter gene expression to promote or prevent cancer. We will examine how circSATB2p, a peptide derived from circSATB2, changes the SATB2 protein interactions and gene networks in cells exposed to arsenic. Using cellular and molecular techniques, the study seeks to connect environmental toxin exposure to specific chromatin changes and cancer pathways. The findings could reveal new targets for preventing or treating arsenic-associated cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biomarkers or targets to prevent or treat cancers linked to arsenic exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows arsenic can alter chromatin and gene regulation; this study explores a novel circRNA mechanism that is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fondufe-Mittendorf, Yvonne Nsokika — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Fondufe-Mittendorf, Yvonne Nsokika
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.