Investigating how environmental factors affect mammary cancer risk in different animal species
Official title: Environmental mammary carcinogen evaluation in a xenotransplantation mouse model
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11055408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like air pollution and pesticides might affect the risk of breast cancer in different animals, using mice to compare how horses, which are less likely to get breast cancer, and dogs, which are more likely to get it, respond to these harmful substances, all to help us learn more about breast cancer risk in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | March 14, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,520 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035724-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about breast cancer risk, particularly those with a history of exposure to environmental pollutants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for breast cancer or have no history of exposure to environmental carcinogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of environmental carcinogens, such as air pollution and pesticides, on the development of mammary cancer in different animal species. By using a mouse model, the study compares the responses of horses, which are resistant to mammary cancer, and dogs, which are more susceptible. The goal is to understand how these animals react to harmful substances and to identify potential biomarkers for breast cancer risk in humans. This comparative approach aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind cancer susceptibility and resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for breast cancer in humans by identifying key environmental risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study cancer mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harman, Rebecca M — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Harman, Rebecca M
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.