How early-life BPA exposure may lead to liver cancer
Official title: Understanding mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis following developmental BPA exposure
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11458629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether exposure to the common chemical BPA before birth or in early life can cause changes that lead to liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $140,877 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES034836-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with liver cancer or those worried about past early-life BPA exposure would be most relevant, although this grant mainly funds animal and laboratory research rather than enrolling patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking new treatments now are unlikely to benefit directly because the work is basic laboratory research focused on mechanisms in mice.
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models given low, environmentally relevant doses of BPA during development to track liver changes over time. Scientists will measure DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress), and changes in key genes that control cell growth to pinpoint steps that turn normal liver cells into cancer. By comparing different exposure levels and molecular signs, they hope to identify early markers and mechanisms that could apply to human liver cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal how BPA exposure contributes to liver cancer and point to ways to prevent exposure-driven disease or detect risk earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies, including the investigators' own work, have linked developmental BPA exposure to increased liver tumors and oxidative stress, but applying these findings to people is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinhouse, Caren — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Weinhouse, Caren
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.