Understanding How Chemicals Change DNA to Cause Cancer
Intra and Extra-Chromosomal Probes for Mutagenesis by Carcinogens
This work helps us understand how certain chemicals cause specific changes in our DNA that lead to different types of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' DNA can develop unique patterns of changes, called 'mutational signatures,' which are like fingerprints left by different causes of cancer. This project aims to connect specific chemicals, like those found in certain toxins or pollutants, to the exact DNA changes they create. By using advanced chemistry, we can see how these chemicals interact with DNA and how those interactions might lead to the mutational signatures we find in human tumors. This helps us build a clearer picture of how cancer starts at a very basic level.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with advanced cancer and those at risk of developing cancer due to environmental exposures.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those not at risk from environmental carcinogens may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us identify specific environmental causes of cancer, leading to better prevention strategies and more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Current sequencing efforts provide hints about cancer causes through mutational signatures, and this project builds on that knowledge with a novel bottom-up approach.
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.