How the STAG2 gene changes the way chemical exposures alter gene regulation
STAG2 modulates environmental toxicant exposures and epigenomic heterogeneity
This project looks at whether a gene called STAG2 changes how early-life exposure to common chemicals can alter gene regulation and raise later disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247092 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient view, the team studies cells and animal models to see how exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other toxicants can cause subtle but lasting changes in how genes are switched on and off. They focus on STAG2, a gene that may make some cells more vulnerable by increasing replication and transcription stress, and then measure epigenomic differences across individual cells. The researchers use detailed molecular assays to map where and how these chemical exposures create uneven changes across the genome, and they test whether STAG2-related changes help precondition cells for later disease. Findings come from laboratory experiments rather than a treatment trial, so results aim to explain mechanisms rather than offer immediate therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Ewing sarcoma or others willing to provide tumor or tissue samples, especially with known histories of early-life chemical exposures, would be most relevant for contributing to this research.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment options are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-focused, mechanistic research rather than a clinical therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how childhood chemical exposures increase later disease risk and point to prevention strategies or new molecular targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked environmental toxicants to epigenetic changes but direct, reproducible pathways to disease are limited, so combining STAG2 and single-cell epigenomic approaches is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ohm, Joyce Ellen — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Ohm, Joyce Ellen
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.