Investigating how metals affect prostate cells and cancer risk
Official title: Metal-induced cell-level changes in prostate epithelium and cancer risk
Funded at Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys · NIH-10881736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to metals like lead and arsenic might affect prostate cells and increase the risk of prostate cancer, using animal models and urine samples from patients to better understand this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005395-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are male veterans who may have been exposed to environmental toxins, particularly lead and arsenic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of exposure to these metals or prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of metal exposure, specifically lead and arsenic, on prostate epithelial cells and their potential role in increasing cancer risk. By using a novel animal model, the study examines how these metals can lead to cellular changes that may contribute to prostate cancer development. The research involves analyzing urine samples from prostate cancer patients to identify metal levels and employing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to understand the underlying mechanisms of metal-induced cellular transformation. The findings aim to shed light on the relationship between environmental toxins and prostate cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for prostate cancer linked to metal exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between metal exposure and cancer risk, but this specific approach using a new animal model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys
North Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Shuk-Mei — Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys
- Study coordinator: Ho, Shuk-Mei
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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.