Investigating how alcohol exposure during pregnancy affects breast cancer risk later in life.
Official title: In utero exposure to alcohol-induced mammary stem cell deregulation and tumor risk later in life.
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11077802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy might affect the risk of breast cancer in children later on, by examining changes in certain cells in the breast; it's aimed at helping us find ways to prevent this risk for families.
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 | May 10, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145545-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero and are at risk for breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the development of breast cancer in offspring. It focuses on how in utero exposure to alcohol can lead to changes in mammary stem cells, potentially increasing the risk of tumors later in life. Using a specific mouse model, the study examines the biological mechanisms involved, including gene expression changes and hormonal influences. The goal is to better understand these processes to develop preventative strategies for at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for breast cancer in individuals exposed to alcohol in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a link between in utero alcohol exposure and increased breast cancer risk, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
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North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xiaohe — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xiaohe
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.