Investigating how chromium exposure affects lung cancer development

METTL3 in chromium-induced angiogenesis and carcinogenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11019705

This study is looking at how a protein called METTL3 might play a part in lung cancer that develops from exposure to a harmful substance called hexavalent chromium, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how this exposure affects lung cells and cancer growth.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11019705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, METTL3, in the development of lung cancer caused by exposure to hexavalent chromium. Researchers will study how chromium influences RNA modifications and the mechanisms that lead to cancerous changes in lung cells. By examining samples from both animal models and human workers exposed to chromium, the study aims to uncover the biological pathways involved in cancer progression and angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor growth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to hexavalent chromium, particularly nonsmoking workers in relevant industries.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to chromium or who have other types of lung cancer unrelated to chromium exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung cancer associated with chromium exposure.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging interest in the mechanisms of chromium-induced carcinogenesis, this specific approach focusing on METTL3 is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.