METTL3's role in chromium-linked lung cancer and blood vessel growth
METTL3 in chromium-induced angiogenesis and carcinogenesis
This research looks at whether long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium raises a protein called METTL3 that can cause lung-cell changes and promote tumor blood-vessel growth in people exposed to chromium.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've been exposed to hexavalent chromium at work, researchers are measuring a protein called METTL3 in your blood and in lab models to see how it might drive lung changes. They compare samples from exposed workers, chromium-treated cells, and mice to trace how METTL3 affects the PHD2/HIF-1 pathway and increases signals like CXCL5 and IL-8 that encourage new blood vessels. The team uses blood tests (RT-qPCR and ELISA), cell growth and tube-formation assays, and tumor models to link METTL3 changes with angiogenesis and tumor growth. Their goal is to map the chain from chromium exposure to molecular changes that could explain how chromium causes lung cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with documented occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium, such as nonsmoking workers in chromium-exposed industries, who can provide blood samples or medical history.
Not a fit: People without chromium exposure or those whose lung disease has unrelated causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the work could point to METTL3 or its pathway as targets for preventing or treating chromium-related lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked METTL3 to cancer biology in other settings, but applying METTL3 pathway analysis specifically to chromium-induced lung cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmahon, Steven B. — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Mcmahon, Steven B.
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.