Exploring how environmental factors cause mutations in cancer
Official title: Understanding the origins of the mutational landscape in cancer
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11022399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how harmful substances in our environment can damage our DNA and possibly lead to cancer, with the goal of finding ways to improve prevention and treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | February 24, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $749,901 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036931-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of exposure to environmental toxins or those diagnosed with cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of environmental toxin exposure or who do not have cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to environmental toxins leads to DNA damage, which can result in mutations that contribute to cancer development. By analyzing the types of DNA lesions and their locations within the genome, the study aims to clarify the connection between these lesions and the mutations observed in various cancers. The approach combines advanced techniques such as DNA adductomics and long-read sequencing to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mutational landscape. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of cancer mutations, potentially guiding more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between DNA damage and cancer mutations, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boysen, Gunnar — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Boysen, Gunnar
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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.