Investigating how alcohol affects breast cancer stem cells
Official title: Project 3: Alcohol-Associated Toxicity and Genomic Instability of Mammary Stem Cells
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-10897325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might affect certain cells in the breast and could lead to breast cancer, aiming to help us understand the connection between alcohol and cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,248 |
| NIH project number | 5U54AA030451-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol consumption who are at risk for breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no risk factors for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of alcohol consumption on mammary stem cells and its potential role in breast cancer development. It focuses on understanding how alcohol-derived acetaldehyde may cause genetic mutations and genomic instability in these cells, which could lead to cancer. By using advanced 3D cell culture techniques and animal models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind alcohol-induced tumor initiation and the role of cancer stem cells in this process. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for alcohol-related breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that alcohol can promote cancer stem cell expansion, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xiaohe — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xiaohe
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Alcohol-Associated Toxicity and Genomic Instability in Mammary Stem Cells
This grant studies how alcohol may damage breast stem cells and trigger cancer-like changes, aiming to uncover how drinking could start breast cancer.
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Mentoring and Research Experiences Core to Support Alcohol Research Trainees
A program to provide structured mentoring and research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students in alcohol research at NCCU and UNC ARC.
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Administrative core to support alcohol research collaboration and training
A funded program will maintain and grow a partnership between NCCU and UNC ARC to strengthen alcohol research infrastructure and training for students and faculty.
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.