Prof Peter B. Farmer
Dept of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine
University of Leicester
Leicester, UK
http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/csmm
Project title
Assessment of the genotoxicity of dietary acrylamide (2009/25)
Scientific abstract
In 2002, it was discovered that cooking some foods rich in carbohydrate at high temperatures produces small amounts of a chemical called acrylamide, exposure to which is known to produce cancer in animals. Subsequent studies showed that many highly consumed food products such as potato chips, crisps, and coffee, contain low levels of acrylamide. The significance to human health of this exposure is unknown at present and is of extensive interest worldwide. The way in which acrylamide causes cancer is by damaging DNA.
This study will determine the extent of the damage in human populations as a result of acrylamide exposure and how it is associated with diet. DNA from both blood and urine will be examined for evidence of the damage related products induced by acrylamide.
The findings of this study will lead to a clearer understanding of the extent of cancer risk associated with acrylamide ingestion and will also indicate ways by which to minimise this risk.
Project plain language abstract
Background
In 2002 it was discovered that cooking some foods rich in carbohydrate at high temperatures produces small amounts of a chemical called acrylamide, exposure to which is known to produce cancer in animals. Subsequent studies showed that many highly consumed food products such as potato chips, crisps, and coffee, contain low levels of acrylamide. The significance to human health of this exposure is unknown at present and is of extensive interest worldwide.
Project details
The way in which acrylamide causes cancer is by damaging DNA. This study will determine the extent of the damage in human populations as a result of acrylamide exposure and how it is associated with diet. DNA from both blood and urine will be examined for evidence of the damage related products induced by acrylamide.
The findings of this study will lead to a clearer understanding of the extent of cancer risk associated with acrylamide ingestion and will also indicate ways by which to minimise this risk.
| Institution and location | Degree | Year | Scientific Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford University, UK | BA (Hons) (1st Class) | 1968 | Chemistry |
| Oxford University, UK | DPhil | 1970 | Chemistry |
| Oxford University, UK | MA | 1971 | Chemistry |
| 2007-Present | University of Leicester, Professor of Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, UK |
| 2003-2007 | University of Leicester, Honorary Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, UK |
| 2002-2007 | University of Leicester, Medical Research Council ESS Group Leader, Biocentre, UK |
| 2001-2003 | University of Leicester, Honorary Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry, UK |
| 1997-2001 | University of Leicester, Honorary Professor, Department of Chemistry, UK |
| 1993-2002 | Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, Section Leader, Leicester, UK |
| 1978-1993 | Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit. Group leader, Carshalton, UK |
| 1971-1978 | Institute of Cancer Research, Research Scientist, Chester Beatty Research Institute, London, UK |
| 1970-1971 | Albert Einstein Medical Center, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Philadelphia, USA |
Research interests
The molecular mechanisms of action of carcinogenic and other toxic compounds; the development of biomarkers of exposure and effects; risk assessment of dietary carcinogens; and the use of dietary agents in chemoprevention.
