Tracing how past exposures leave mutational fingerprints in cancer DNA
Mechanisms of cancer mutations
This project aims to find the environmental or chemical causes behind the unique DNA mutation patterns seen in different cancers so people with cancer can learn what may have led to their tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231696 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map specific types of DNA damage across the human genome and recreate how those lesions produce mutations using lab experiments and cancer genome data. They will compare the damage and mutation patterns from known exposures like sunlight and smoking to the unexplained mutational signatures found in many tumors. The team combines DNA damage mapping, cell-based systems, and computational analysis of human tumor sequences to link particular chemicals or biological processes to mutation fingerprints. Over time this approach could connect past exposures to the mutations now seen in a patient's tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with tumors of unclear cause—such as certain skin, lung, or esophageal cancers—who can donate tumor tissue or sequencing data for analysis.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those whose tumors already have well-established causes are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help pinpoint environmental or chemical causes of individual cancers, supporting prevention efforts and informing future treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has clearly linked UV and tobacco to specific mutation patterns, but many other mutational signatures remain unexplained and this project builds on those prior successes.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pfeifer, Gerd P — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Pfeifer, Gerd P
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.