Investigating how arsenic exposure leads to bladder cancer
Official title: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Arsenic-Induced Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11046565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to arsenic can increase the chances of getting bladder cancer, using zebrafish to see how changes in bladder cells might lead to cancer, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent and treat it, especially for people living in areas where arsenic is common.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $164,914 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA290425-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas with a history of arsenic exposure and those at risk for bladder cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of arsenic exposure or those with other unrelated types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which exposure to inorganic arsenic increases the risk of developing urothelial bladder cancer. Using a novel zebrafish model, the study aims to explore how specific genetic changes in bladder cells contribute to cancer initiation and progression. By leveraging advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will analyze gene expression patterns in bladder cells to identify potential targets for prevention and treatment. The findings could lead to better risk mitigation strategies for populations exposed to arsenic, particularly in rural areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatments for bladder cancer linked to arsenic exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using zebrafish models has shown success in understanding cancer mechanisms, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leach, Steven D — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Leach, Steven D
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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.