Investigating how nickel exposure affects lung cancer development through RNA modifications
Official title: ALKBH5 and nickel-induced lung carcinogenesis
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10752666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to nickel might affect lung cancer by changing certain RNA processes in the body, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat lung cancer for people who have been exposed to nickel.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES034811-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10752666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of occupational or environmental exposure to nickel and those at risk for lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of nickel exposure or lung cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between nickel exposure and lung cancer, focusing on how nickel compounds can alter RNA modifications that may lead to cancer. The study examines the role of a specific enzyme, ALKBH5, in the degradation of a gene called MEG3, which is important for preventing tumor formation. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights into how environmental factors contribute to lung cancer and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to improved prevention or treatment strategies for lung cancer linked to nickel exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung cancer caused by nickel exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on RNA modifications in nickel-induced lung carcinogenesis is novel, there is existing research on the carcinogenic effects of nickel compounds.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Hong — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sun, Hong
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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.