Investigating how tobacco-specific chemicals damage DNA in human oral cells

Carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines induction of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites in DNA of human oral cells

NIH-funded research Michigan Technological University · NIH-10856299

This study is looking at how harmful chemicals in tobacco can damage DNA in the cells of your mouth, and it’s for people who use cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes, to help understand the early signs of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan Technological University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houghton, United States)
Project IDNIH-10856299 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how certain harmful chemicals found in tobacco products, specifically tobacco-specific nitrosamines, can cause damage to DNA in human oral cells. The researchers will develop a sensitive method to measure specific types of DNA damage known as apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, which may indicate the early stages of cancer development. By analyzing DNA from oral cells of individuals who use cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes, the study aims to establish a link between tobacco use and DNA damage that could lead to cancer. This work could provide valuable insights into the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and help identify biomarkers for early detection of oral cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use tobacco products or have no history of tobacco exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and early detection of oral cancers caused by tobacco use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that analyzing DNA damage in oral cells can provide important insights into cancer risk, making this approach promising and relevant.

Where this research is happening

Houghton, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.