How disrupted sleep patterns may increase cancer risk
Official title: Establishing a mechanistic basis for enhanced tumorigenesis under chronic circadian disruption
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10986094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in our daily sleep and wake patterns, like those faced by shift workers or travelers, might increase the risk of lung cancer, and it’s using special mice to explore how a certain protein could be involved in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,729 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271500-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced chronic circadian disruption, such as shift workers or those with irregular sleep patterns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any form of circadian disruption or those with cancers unrelated to KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic disruption of circadian rhythms, such as that experienced by shift workers or frequent travelers, may lead to an increased risk of cancer. By using genetically engineered mouse models, the study examines the effects of altered light cycles on tumor formation, particularly focusing on lung cancer driven by the KRAS gene. The researchers aim to understand the role of a specific protein, HSF1, in promoting tumor growth under these disrupted conditions. This could provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking circadian disruption and cancer development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for cancer prevention by addressing the impacts of circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have shown a link between circadian disruption and increased cancer risk, this specific approach focusing on HSF1 and KRAS-driven tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamia, Katja a — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Lamia, Katja a
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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.