Dr Mark Wade M.Wade@hull.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Genetics
Investigating the carcinogenic and epigenetic modulating effects of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in breast cancer development
People Involved
Professor Jeanette Rotchell J.Rotchell@hull.ac.uk
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise
Project Description
PFASs are used in numerous commercial and industrial applications. Subsequently, they are ubiquitously found in the environment and have been identified in human blood, breast milk and gut. They are endocrine disrupting chemicals which have been reported to have a dose-response relationship with breast cancer risk; however, the biological and molecular consequences of PFAS exposure on breast cells is understudied. We will investigate in detail the phenotypic and epigenetic consequences of exposure to physiologically relevant doses of the two most abundant PFASs, PFOA and PFOS, in non-transformed breast epithelial cells, in vitro, and breast tissue, ex vivo, to determine their potential carcinogenic effect. This will be the first study to use human tissue in a model of PFAS exposure and therefore has the potential to add crucial translationally relevant information to its biological effects.
Micro plastics (MPs) are another ubiquitous environmental contaminant of emerging concern which have been detected in human blood, gut and lung tissue. MPs are a potential source of PFAS exposure via their ability to adsorb and leach these chemicals. We have preliminary data to suggest MPs can cross the blood barrier and therefore into tissues. We will use cutting edge and validated microscopy techniques developed at Hull to investigate the presence of MPs in human breast tissue to determine for the first time whether this environmental contaminant is able to accumulates in the breast.
| Type of Project | Studentship |
|---|---|
| Status | Project Live |
| Funder(s) | Breast Cancer UK |
| Value | £99,272.00 |
| Project Dates | Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2026 |
| Partner Organisations | University of Leeds University of York Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust |
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