How cadmium may cause different types of prostate cancer
Elucidating the molecular signaling of Cadmium Carcinogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11062401
Researchers are looking at how cadmium exposure changes molecular signals in prostate tissue and may lead to different types of prostate cancer, especially in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11062401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses laboratory prostate cells, animal models, and analysis of human prostate tissue samples to trace how cadmium exposure leads to different tumor types in the prostate's zones. They focus on a molecule called ZIC2 and its interaction with GLI1 and the sonic hedgehog pathway, and apply CRISPR and other molecular tools to test how these changes promote tumor growth. The project compares tumors arising in the transition zone (often linked to BPH) versus the peripheral zone to find zone-specific molecular patterns. Findings from models are compared with clinical specimens to see whether the laboratory mechanisms match tumors found in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are men with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia who can provide tissue or blood samples and agree to molecular analysis of their specimens.
Not a fit: People without prostate disease, or those seeking an immediate new treatment, are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic/translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers and molecular targets related to cadmium-linked prostate cancers that help with prevention, diagnosis, or future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have connected cadmium exposure to higher prostate cancer risk, but the specific role of ZIC2/GLI1 signaling and zone-specific tumor development is a newer, not-yet-proven area.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAMODARAN, CHENDIL — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: DAMODARAN, CHENDIL
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.