Exploring how air pollution contributes to lung cancer at the molecular level
Official title: Investigating the molecular signatures and pathways indicative of air pollution toxicity in lung carcinogenesis using single- and multi-omics analyses of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10990367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution can cause lung cancer by exploring the roles of different molecules in our bodies, and it aims to help identify people who might be at greater risk so we can find better ways to prevent the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,474 |
| NIH project number | 1F99CA294242-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution and are at risk for developing lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of significant air pollution exposure or existing lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which air pollution leads to lung cancer, focusing on the roles of various biomolecules such as amino acids and proteins. By utilizing advanced techniques in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, the study aims to uncover the complex interactions between these molecules and their impact on cancer development. The research will also develop predictive models to identify individuals at higher risk for lung cancer due to air pollution exposure, providing insights that could inform targeted prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for lung cancer related to air pollution exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using multi-omics approaches to understand cancer mechanisms, indicating that this study builds on established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Ziyin — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Ziyin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Newborn screening: using gene and metabolite data to refine true vs false positives
A study using genetic and metabolomic data from newborn blood spots to better distinguish real metabolic disorders from false alarms.
-
IDEAL: How early-life immune development shapes vaccine responses and asthma risk
A child-focused project that looks at how the developing immune system in early life affects vaccine responses, respiratory infections, and asthma.
-
Integrative metabolomics to improve sarcoidosis diagnosis and prognosis
A research project from UCLA aims to find blood-based biomarkers that help diagnose sarcoidosis earlier and predict how it will progress, especially in African American women.
-
Metabolomics clues to how ultra-processed foods affect risk of type 2 diabetes
A scientist-led study will look at how eating different ultra-processed foods may change diabetes risk by using a controlled feeding trial and big population data, focusing on adults.
-
Longitudinal metabolomics in infants with food allergies
A study in infants aims to understand how gut metabolites relate to the development of food allergies, including IgE-mediated and non-IgE cases.
-
Biospecimen, Metabolomics, and Pathology Core for Endometrial Cancer Research
A national, multi-institutional resource collects and analyzes tissue, blood, and metabolites from endometrial cancer patients to support multiple research projects.
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.