Breast cancer genetic risk for women of African descent
Polygenic Risk Prediction of Breast Cancer for Women of African Descent
This project develops improved genetic risk scores to better estimate breast cancer risk for women of African descent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are combining genetic data from tens of thousands of women to find which inherited DNA differences best predict breast cancer risk in women with African ancestry. They will fine-map known breast cancer regions and use new cross-ancestry methods to build simpler, more accurate risk scores that work for African-descent populations. The work draws on existing studies and genetic datasets from African, African American, European, and Asian participants rather than testing a new treatment in people. The goal is to create tools that could eventually guide screening or prevention decisions for women like you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The findings are most relevant to women of African ancestry, including African American women, who want clearer information about inherited breast cancer risk.
Not a fit: People who are not of African descent or who cannot access genetic testing are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific risk scores.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide more accurate, personalized risk estimates for breast cancer in women of African descent and help guide screening or prevention choices.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic risk scores have worked reasonably well in European-ancestry populations but have been less accurate for women of African descent, so this work builds on known successes while addressing a recognized gap.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huo, Dezheng — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Huo, Dezheng
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.