NIH-funded research R01 grant

How cigarette smoke affects cell responses through tRNA modifications

Official title: Translational regulation during cigarette smoking-induced reprogramming of the tRNA epitranscriptome, in vitro and in a mouse smoking model

Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10823293 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how cigarette smoke affects tiny molecules in our cells that help control how genes work, which could help us understand how smoking impacts our health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Albany
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albany, United States)
Project startJune 9, 2020
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$377,990
NIH project number5R01ES031529-05
Project IDNIH-10823293 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who smoke or have been exposed to environmental tobacco smoke and are at risk for related health issues.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not smoke and have no exposure to tobacco smoke or its byproducts may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to cigarette smoke alters the tRNA epitranscriptome, which is crucial for regulating gene expression and cell survival. By using both in vitro methods and a mouse model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which toxicants in cigarette smoke impact cellular responses. The researchers will analyze changes in modified ribonucleosides in tRNA and their effects on protein translation, particularly in stress-response genes. This work could provide insights into the cellular adaptations that occur in response to harmful substances found in tobacco smoke.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases caused by smoking, such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the epitranscriptome can reveal important insights into cellular responses to toxic exposures, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of New York at Albany
    Albany, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Begley, Thomas J — State University of New York at Albany
  • Study coordinator: Begley, Thomas J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.