Project 88: Human iPSC-Based Mutation Characteristics Evaluation Induced by Carbon Nanomaterials

Contact Information

Assoc. Prof. Yanbin Zhao

Assoc. Prof. Kun Zhang

Email: zhaoyanbin@sjtu.edu.cn ; kunzhang@sjtu.edu.cn

Project Description and Objectives

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been widely applied in drug delivery and biosensing. However, the understanding of their potential health risks remains highly limited. In particular, whether CNMs can increase the risk of cellular carcinogenesis remains a subject of significant controversy. To address this issue, we aim to develop novel bioinformatics methods capable of rapidly identifying genome-wide mutation characteristics. By conducting human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) exposure experiments coupled with whole-genome sequencing (WGS), this study seeks to clarify whether CNMs can increase mutation frequencies in human cells, identify their specific mutational signatures, and assess potential health risks to populations. Furthermore, we aim to establish a comprehensive database of CNM-induced mutational characteristics in iPSCs. This research is expected to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding the carcinogenic effects of short multi-walled carbon nanotubes on human cells, thereby enriching the scientific foundation of nanomaterial toxicology. Additionally, the proposed research strategy has the potential to drive innovation in detection technologies, overcoming the limitations of traditional toxicological evaluation methods. The findings are anticipated to have a profound impact on both biomedical research and environmental health studies.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic knowledge of biology/bioinformatics.

Self-motivation and the enjoyment of lab work.

Majors in biology, bioinformatics or environmental science are preferred.

Main Tasks

Systematically assess the cell mutation characteristics caused by carbon nanomaterials.

Explore the possible mechanism of action behind the observed toxicity with molecular biological and chemical techniques.

Website

Lab: http://sese.sjtu.edu.cn/people/2808.html; http://sese.sjtu.edu.cn/people/2848.html

School: http://sese.sjtu.edu.cn/