2012 Free to Breathe Young Investigator Research Grant
Yan Lu, PhD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Research Project:
Dock9 and Cancer Formation
Summary:
Scientists are learning that lung cancer can be caused not only by environmental hazards a person has been exposed to, but also by genetics. However, these roles aren’t always separate, because some people with a smoking history seem to be more likely to develop lung cancer than others with a similar history. Dr. Lu has found evidence that variations in a gene called Dock9 may play a role in lung cancer risk. Dr. Lu will examine how Dock9 affects cancer formation and investigate ways it may eventually be targeted with therapy.