MYCOCANCER
Mycotoxins and cancer: programs of study human biomonitoring and toxicological characterization
Mycotoxins are natural compounds produced by fungi, mainly Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, as secondary metabolites. They are considered very important food contaminants that reduce food safety and, due to climate change, many of them pose an emerging risk.
More than 300 mycotoxins are known, although only a few have been studied because they pose a greater threat to human and animal health, either due to their toxicity and/or their greater presence in food. In addition, in recent years, a wide variety of so-called emerging mycotoxins have been found, which are not routinely tested for in food and have not been regulated.
The project addresses the assessment exhibition to mycotoxins and their toxicological characterization, which are essential aspects for the correct assessment risk posed by these compounds. In addition, the project their metabolism, a core topic toxicological interpretation and the determination of biomarkers of exhibition humans.
Objectives
Obtain information on the simultaneous presence of mycotoxins in human plasma in a cancer cohort, focusing on mycotoxins with endocrine disruptor characteristics in relation to breast and prostate cancer.
Characterize the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of selected emerging mycotoxins based on a systematic review and using astepwise in vitro assessment strategy.
Identify potential metabolites of selected emerging mycotoxins in vitro using human microsomes.
Principal Investigators
Ariane Vettorazzi
group , BIOMA Institute
Elena González Peñas
group , BIOMA Institute
Team researcher
The Task Force
• Ana Jiménez Zabala (Biogipuzkoa)
• Celia Goñi Hualde (University of Navarra)
• Angel Irigoyen (University of Navarra)
• Silvia Gascón(University of Navarra)
Duration:
September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2027
Funding:
248.050,00 €
2021 AEI knowledge Generation Projects knowledge State research Agency)
[PID2021-126026OB-I00-MYCOCANCER]
Location:
University of Navarra
core topic
WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
MYCOCANCER arose from the need to better understand the relationship between exhibition mycotoxins and the development certain types of cancer. Mycotoxins are natural contaminants that, although regulated, continue to pose a potential risk to public health due to their presence in the food chain, their carcinogenic capacity, the existence of chronic exposure to low doses, and the lack of accurate biomarkers to assess the real risk to the human population.
The project to the need to improve assessment and advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in mycotoxin-associated carcinogenesis.
WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE project INVESTIGATING?
The project scientific solutions focused on:
🔬 Identification and toxicological characterization of mycotoxins with carcinogenic potential.
🧬 Study of molecular mechanisms involved in cell damage and tumor transformation.
🧪 development validation of biomarkers of exhibition early effects.
📊 Improvement of assessment tools based on experimental evidence.
🧫 Use of advanced experimental models to study combined effects and chronic exposures.
Overall, the project generate knowledge will enable a assessment accurate assessment of the risk associated with exhibition .
how does this project affect society?
The social impact of project significant on several levels:
🏥 Public health: it helps prevent diseases associated with food contaminants.
🛡️ Food safety: it improves the scientific basis for establishing more accurate regulatory limits.
📚 Public policy: it provides evidence for regulatory decisions based on solid science.
👩🔬 knowledge transfer: it strengthens the connection between research and practical applications.
MYCOCANCER helps protect the population from invisible but potentially serious risks, reinforcing the role of research as tool prevention and social well-being.
Collaborating entities
