Impact of Air Pollution on Cancer Formation

Professor Introduction

 Y. L | Ph.D. in Basic Medicine

Home Institute：Zhejiang University

[ Research Interests ] Extensive experience with model organisms including C. elegans, mice, and cell lines.
Proficient in molecular biology, cell biology, and animal behavior studies.
Skilled in plasmid construction, RNAi screening, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

Project Description

This research project investigates the potential link between air pollution and cancer formation. In modern society, air pollution is ubiquitous and has a profound impact on human and animal health. This project aims to determine whether air pollution can promote cancer formation.

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is chosen as the model organism due to its simple genetics, conserved genes, short lifespan, and ease of breeding and manipulation. The project will proceed in three main stages:This project first collects information to investigate the correlation between air pollution intensity in various regions and specific tumors; then, using nematodes as a model organism, it determines the regulatory effects of specific pollutants on tumor-related pathways; finally, by measuring the conservation of target genes and human homologous genes, it determines whether the cancer regulatory pathways of air pollution in humans are similar to those in nematodes.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1 :  Introduction to Air Pollution and Cancer
• Overview of air pollution sources and types of pollutants.
• Discussion on the known health impacts of air pollution, with a focus on cancer.
• Introduction to C. elegans as a model organism for genetic and cancer research.

Part 2 : Correlation Analysis of Air Pollution and Cancer Incidence
• Collection of data on air pollution levels and cancer incidence from various regions.
• Statistical analysis to identify correlations between specific pollutants and cancer types.
• Review of existing literature on air pollution and cancer epidemiology.

Part 3 :  Experimental Design Using C. elegans
• Selection of specific pollutants for study based on correlation analysis.
• Design of experiments to expose C. elegans to selected pollutants.
• Identification of cancer-related pathways and genes in C. elegans.

Part 4 : Molecular and Genetic Analysis
• Application of molecular biology techniques to study gene expression and pathway activation in C. elegans.
• Use of RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 to manipulate target genes and observe effects on cancer pathways.
• Analysis of pollutant-induced changes in gene expression and pathway activity.

Part 5 : Homology Assessment and Human Relevance
• Comparison of target genes and pathways in C. elegans with their human homologs.
• Assessment of the conservation of cancer-related pathways between C. elegans and humans.
• Evaluation of the potential implications for human cancer risk and prevention.

Part 6 : Conclusion and Future Directions
• Summary of key findings and their significance.
• Discussion of limitations and potential sources of error.
• Recommendations for future research and potential applications in public health policy.

Suitable for

• High School Students interested in the intersection of air pollution and cancer research.
• Undergraduate and graduate students in molecular biology, genetics, and environmental health