Investigating how hexavalent chromium causes lung cancer through RNA modifications
Official title: Dysregulations of functional RNA modifications and hexavalent chromium lungcarcinogenesis
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10991841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term exposure to a harmful chemical called hexavalent chromium might lead to lung cancer by changing certain RNA molecules in the body, and it hopes to find new ways to understand and treat lung cancer for people affected by this environmental risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,955 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES032787-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of exposure to hexavalent chromium and those diagnosed with lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of chromium exposure or lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between hexavalent chromium, a common environmental carcinogen, and lung cancer by focusing on the role of RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A). The study aims to understand how chronic exposure to chromium affects the expression of a protein called METTL3, which is involved in regulating these RNA modifications. By examining the mechanisms of how these changes contribute to cancer progression, the research seeks to uncover new insights into lung cancer development and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for lung cancer linked to environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into lung cancer mechanisms and lead to targeted therapies for patients affected by chromium exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on m6A modifications in relation to chromium exposure is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding RNA modifications in cancer biology.
Where this research is happening
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State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Chengfeng — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Yang, Chengfeng
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.