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Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.
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. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.
Category
D05MS-620: Arsenic, Cancer and Animal Health and Welfare
principal investigator: Letitia Posey, student, Oklahoma State University
Project Mentor: Lin Liu, PhD
completed
Year: 1 of 1. $0
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."
