Research

Project Leaders:            

Jani C. Ingram, NAU

Margaret M. Briehl, AZCC/UA

Jeanne E. Pemberton, UA

Abstract:

The longtime goal of the project is to understand the interactions between chronic uranium exposure and biological changes at the cellular level that may result in cancer.  The overarching theme of this research proposal is bioavailability of uranium.  The work entails collecting both environmental samples and information concerning human exposure as well as investigating of cell – uranium interactions specific to the environment that exists in the Southwestern region of the Navajo Nation.  We will establish uranium concentrations in wells, human exposure to well water, and assess particulate inhalation as a potential exposures route.  We will also investigate the bioavailability of uranium species present on Navajo Lands, examining the carcinogenicity of the uranium species in cells.  The central hypothesis of the project is that uranium species present in well water and/or dust are bioavailable and may accumulate in biological tissues.  We further hypothesize that some of the resulting molecular species of uranium will interact with human tissue, potentially promoting cancer.  The exposures of the Navajo people are unique because of mining activity and the lifestyle of the Navajo people.  This project is distinctive in that it endeavors to bridge the gap between environmental science and cancer research. 

Specific Aims: 

1. Well Water Use Survey
2. Uranium Hydrogeochemistry: Fate and Transport of Uranium on the Navajo Nation
3. Cell – Uranium Interactions
4. Uranium-Containing Airborne Particulates

Relationship of Project to Overall Priorities: 

The proposed research will take place within the Native American Cancer Research Partnership (NACRP). The ultimate goal of this partnership is to alleviate the unequal burden of cancer among Native Americans. To achieve its goal, the NACRP is organized into Education, Outreach and Research Cores. These groups are interdependent and operate on the principle that the partnership must develop a cadre of Native American cancer researchers and clinical oncology health care professionals The Education Core works to recruit and retain Native American students enrolled in science and pre-healthcare curricula. The Outreach Core seeks to enlist the participation of the Native American community in the development of strategies to address the problem of cancer in Native communities. Finally, faculty members from the minority serving institution, NAU, and from the University of Arizona Cancer Center (AZCC) work as co-investigators on projects within the Research Core; Native American students are major contributors to this research. 

The proposed studies integrate well with the goals of the NACRP. They are an ideal fit with the Partnership’s research focus on the cancer risk associated with the history of uranium mining on Navajo lands. The proposed research design requires close interactions between the junior faculty member and member of the Navajo Nation at NAU, Dr. Jani Ingram, and a chemist, Dr. Jeanne Pemberton, and cancer biologist, Dr. Margaret Briehl, at the University of Arizona and the AZCC. Success of the project will require continued trust building and frequent communication with the Navajo Nation. Navajo elders want to know that the younger generation is being trained in research that is relevant to their home communities. Previous work on the Pilot Project has proven that the research is of great interest to Navajo students. They receive valuable research training through active participation at both institutions and on all aspects of the project. We are confident that as the students graduate from this project, they will continue on career paths that address health disparities in Native American populations.