Recent comprehensive clinical and epidemiological studies and mounting evidence from molecular genetics and cell-functional analyses have uncovered a critical role for PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in the development of human malignancies, particularly in breast and lung cancers. We propose to address this fundamental (and global) issue of environmental and oncology health by implementing and conducting a comprehensive research effort to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating PFAS oncogenic role in breast and lung carcinogenesis, and to discernibly demonstrate their promoting and accelerative role in breast and lung cancer progression. We propose to leverage on our solid and long-standing research tract in the use of genetically-engineered platforms for breast and lung cancer predisposition along with the deploying of artificial-intelligence-assisted hyperdimensional molecular and cellular profiling to decipher, at ultra high-resolution, the molecular mechanics and cellular dynamics transducing and exerting PFAS inductive role in breast and lung cancer initiation and progression. Our studies are foundational and will establish the instructive role of PFAS exposure in breast and lung malignant transformation and neoplastic progression.

Highly-motivated individuals with strong interests in environmental science and oncology health.

Individuals with deep commitment and willingness to learn and generate knowledge in the causative entities and promoting factors triggering and driving breast and lung cancer initiation and progression.

Students highly-skilled in basic laboratory work and scientific literature review, analysis and writing.

12-18 months starting Fall-2019.

Basic laboratory work including cell culture, DNA and RNA isolation and analytical work, protein expression levels analyses, and routine laboratory and organizational tasks.

Scientific review and writing of current and crucial topics in environmental pollutants and human malignancies including breast and lung cancers.

November 11, 2019