Tracing mutation patterns and molecular changes to link environmental contamination to cancer
Project 2: High Resolution Mutation Spectra and Multi-Omics for Deducing Etiology and Predicting Disease
The team uses detailed genetic and molecular tests to see whether chemical pollution near Superfund sites causes DNA damage that could raise cancer risk for exposed communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From where I stand, researchers are working with communities near Superfund sites to focus on chemicals such as N-nitrosamines that may harm DNA. They combine a specially engineered panel of mice that reveal susceptibility pathways with very high-fidelity DNA sequencing and other 'multi-omics' lab tests to map mutations and protein changes. The project ties those detailed laboratory findings back to exposure patterns in the local catchment areas, including engagement with tribal groups in Maine. Together, the approach aims to build biological links between environmental contamination and disease processes like cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live or have lived near Superfund or contaminated sites, especially those with known exposure to chemicals like NDMA or concerns about cancer risk, are the most relevant candidates for this work.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to environmental exposures or who have no history of living near contaminated sites are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show how specific environmental chemicals cause DNA damage and cancer risk, helping communities, doctors, and regulators prevent exposure and target screening.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that agents like NDMA can damage DNA, but applying ultra-accurate sequencing and integrated multi-omics to directly link environmental exposures to human cancer risk is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Essigmann, John M — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Essigmann, John M
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.