Investigating how air pollution affects breast cancer through a specific receptor
Official title: Ah-Receptor as a central mediator of immunomodulation in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11048948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution from traffic might increase the risk of breast cancer and aims to find new ways to treat it by understanding how certain pollutants affect the body, especially in women who have been exposed to high levels of pollution.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $495,598 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036338-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those living in urban areas with high traffic-related air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast cancer or those living in areas with low levels of air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between air pollution, particularly from traffic-related sources, and the risk of developing breast cancer. It focuses on the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mediating the effects of environmental pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on breast cancer progression. By studying how these pollutants influence the tumor microenvironment, the research aims to identify potential new therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment. The study will involve analyzing gene expression and the immune response in breast cancer patients exposed to high levels of air pollution.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breast cancer that target the effects of environmental pollutants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of environmental pollutants in cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vogel, Christoph F a — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Vogel, Christoph F 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.