completed studies
Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than $51 million in research to protect, treat, and cure the world’s companion animals and wildlife.
Along the way, our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. You can search our completed-study database by species and/or disease to learn more about our successes.
INSTRUCTIONS - Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.
D05MS-620: “Arsenic, Cancer and Animal Health and Welfare”
principal investigator: Letitia Posey, student, Oklahoma State University
completed
Project Mentor: Lin Liu, PhD
Arsenic is a poisonous chemical agent found in drinking water and known to increase cancer risk however the mechanisms of how arsenic causes cancer are unclear. This research investigated how the genetic material in cells changes when exposed to arsenic. Using an “in-house-made rat DNA microarray composed of >10,000 genes” this project examined gene expression between the control and arsenic-treated lung cells. Of these 10,000 genes, 11 genes were selected for further investigation. Findings from this project suggest that these 11 genes are altered when exposed to arsenic.
Letitia says, “I have always revered research scientists and thought of them as the best of the best as far as intellectuals and talented people. It’s great to know that I have the potential to do this myself.”
