How environmental chemicals affect the genetic risk of cancer in future generations
Official title: Environmental chemicals impair epigenetic suppression of the endogenous retrovirus HML-2 in human primordial germ cells, predisposing the next generation to malignancies through HML-2 reactivation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11078254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in our environment might wake up a virus in our genes that could raise the risk of cancer for future generations, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our surroundings can affect health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 24, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,191 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have been exposed to environmental chemicals and are concerned about their potential impact on their health and that of their offspring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of exposure to environmental chemicals or those who are not planning to have children may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to environmental chemicals may disrupt the normal epigenetic silencing of a specific retrovirus, HML-2, in human primordial germ cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these chemicals can lead to the reactivation of HML-2, potentially increasing cancer risk in future generations. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR technology and ATAC sequencing, researchers will analyze the genetic changes that occur in response to these environmental factors. The findings could provide insights into how inherited cancer risks may be influenced by environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer by understanding how environmental factors influence genetic risks across generations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of epigenetics in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shioda, Toshihiro — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shioda, Toshihiro
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.