# Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of combinations of e-cigarettes and tobacco carcinogens in mouse oral tissues

> **NIH NIH R21** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $202,261

## Abstract

This is project is designed to determine whether the use of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) increases the risk for cancer of
the oral cavity, especially when combined with tobacco smoke carcinogens. The proposed research will serve
as a murine model for users of cigarettes and e-cigs (dual users). As e-cigs have only become popular wi t h i n
the last decade and carcinogenesis occurs over decades, there has not been sufficient time for any
epidemiological evidence one way or another. Yet e-cigs are currently being used by millions of individuals, and
many of the same individuals are also tobacco smokers. In addition, others who are ex-smokers may already
harbor precancer or cancer cells in the mouth, and other organs. The proposed research will investigate the
effects of e-cig aerosol, tobacco carcinogens and their combinations on several outcomes relevant to
carcinogenesis. . A nicotine-only control will be included. The outcomes consist of DNA damage, mutagenesis
and changes in expression of critical genes and pathways in drug metabolism and the cell cycle. The use of the
combination is to investigate possible cocarcinogenic or promoting effects of E-cigs. The oral cavity is a major
site of exposure to e-cigs and there have been few if any reports on the potential carcinogenic effects of e-cig
exposure on these sites. The results of this study are likely important and timely, as the experiments on the
potential carcinogenic effects of the e-cigs cannot be studied in humans, yet the public is increasingly using e-
cigs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10179358
- **Project number:** 5R21DE029711-02
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSEPH B GUTTENPLAN
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $202,261
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-03 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10179358

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10179358, Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of combinations of e-cigarettes and tobacco carcinogens in mouse oral tissues (5R21DE029711-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10179358. Licensed CC0.

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