Investigating how a specific enzyme affects lung cancer caused by airborne toxins
Official title: The role of DNA Polymerase Delta 4 in Lung Carcinogenesis Induced by Genotoxic Carcinogens
Funded at New York Medical College · NIH-11118840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein related to DNA repair might play a role in lung cancer caused by harmful substances in the air, and it hopes to find new ways to help prevent or treat lung cancer for people affected by these environmental factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $247,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES036369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to airborne carcinogens and are at risk for developing lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of exposure to airborne carcinogens or who have other unrelated forms of lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of DNA Polymerase Delta 4 in the development of lung cancer due to exposure to harmful airborne carcinogens. It examines how these carcinogens, such as benzo(a)pyrene, lead to DNA damage and potentially contribute to cancer formation. By studying the degradation of a specific protein involved in DNA repair, the research aims to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of lung carcinogenesis. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved prevention strategies or treatments for lung cancer linked to environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for preventing or treating lung cancer caused by environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of lung cancer related to DNA damage, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Medical College
Valhalla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Dazhong — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: Xu, Dazhong
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.