Spiny mouse skin regenerates after carcinogen exposure and resists tumors
Official title: Defining the regenerative response to genotoxic agents in spiny mouse skin
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11449748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study on spiny mice will explore how their skin can replace damaged tissue after exposure to cancer-causing agents, potentially revealing how to prevent tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $571,611 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR086869-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with regenerative skin biology interest or similar conditions in which tissue repair and cancer resistance are relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without an interest in skin biology or cancer prevention may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project investigates why spiny mice regenerate skin after genotoxic damage and resist cancer, using in vivo experiments and organoid models. Researchers will expose spiny mouse skin to agents like UVB, benzo[a]pyrene, and cisplatin to see how DTRWT turns damaged tissue over and whether mutated cells are removed before tumors form. They will compare results with standard laboratory mice to identify mechanisms behind the regenerative response. Advanced sequencing will help show which cells die and which proliferate during tissue replacement. Overall, the work aims to map how coordinated cell death and new cell growth prevent cancer after damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to prevent cancer by promoting controlled tissue turnover and repair.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies show that spiny mice can regenerate tissue and resist tumors under genotoxic stress, supporting potential for translational insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Andrew C — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: White, Andrew C
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.