Dr. Julie In, an associate professor at The University of New Mexico and a scientist at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This funding will support her research on the impact of uranium exposure on intestinal lining cells over the next five years.
Dr. In's research focuses on understanding the molecular changes that occur in these cells when exposed to uranium dust, which is prevalent in areas near abandoned uranium mine sites. "Approximately 60% of what we inhale we also ingest," Dr. In notes, highlighting the significance of this exposure.
Using colonic organoids—miniature models of a colon grown from cells obtained during routine medical procedures—Dr. In will investigate how uranium affects colon epithelial cells. These organoids mimic the behavior of a living colon, allowing for detailed study of changes induced by uranium dust.
One significant finding from Dr. In's preliminary studies is a reduction in mucus production by the colon epithelium, which could leave epithelial cells vulnerable to bacteria and digestive fluids. She plans to explore how this thinning mucus layer impacts colon epithelial cells and examine molecular changes in goblet cells responsible for mucus production.
Another focus of Dr. In's research is on hormone-producing enteroendocrine cells within the gut, which she describes as "the largest endocrine organ in our body" due to their hormone production capacity. Her initial findings indicate an increase in certain enteroendocrine cell types, leading to hormonal imbalances.
"Having this increase in these hormone-producing enteroendocrine cells with [this organoid] model using uranium-bearing dust could help us understand a whole cohort of other diseases and other therapeutics," Dr. In explains.
The implications of Dr. In's work extend beyond understanding specific diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer; it may lead to broader insights into early molecular changes in colonic diseases and contribute to developing new therapeutic approaches.
Dr. In expresses particular interest in addressing rising rates of colon cancer among younger populations: "I’m hoping that we can be one of many studies that helps to understand these early molecular changes that happen within our gut epithelia, that drives these diseases particularly among young people."
The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center plays a vital role as New Mexico's official cancer center and holds National Cancer Institute designation within a 500-mile radius. It provides comprehensive cancer care through its team of over 136 oncology specialists and supports cutting-edge research with more than $38 million in grants since 2015.
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