Investigating how heavy metals affect breast cancer through histone modifications
H3 histone oxidation is a new posttranslational modification linking heavy metal-induced metabolic changes and oncegenic epigenetic reprogramming
This study is looking at how exposure to heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium might change breast cancer cells in ways that make the cancer more aggressive and harder to treat, and it aims to find new ways to help improve treatment for breast cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11013884 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how exposure to heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium can lead to changes in breast cancer cells by modifying histones, which are proteins that help package DNA. The study focuses on how these modifications can promote aggressive cancer behaviors, such as metastasis and resistance to treatment. By understanding the role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in this process, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The approach includes using pharmacological compounds to protect against harmful histone modifications and studying their effects in laboratory models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, particularly those with ER+/PR+ subtypes who may have been exposed to heavy metals.
Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those not exposed to heavy metals may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve chemotherapy outcomes for breast cancer patients exposed to heavy metals.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of heavy metals on cancer biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonini, Marcelo G. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bonini, Marcelo G.
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 below.