Differentiating vaping from smoking through epigenetic and transcriptomic markers

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers will compare epigenetic marks and RNA profiles in cells and tissues from healthy adult vapers, smokers, and non-users to separate the effects of vaping from smoking. The study will examine how exposure amount and duration, as well as different device features and cigarette types, influence these molecular changes. By linking molecular patterns to disease risk, the project aims to identify biomarkers of exposure and effect that could improve health risk assessments. The work will help clarify whether vaping poses distinct or similar risks compared to traditional smoking, informing patients about potential long-term health implications.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Besaratinia, Ahmad — University of Southern California
• Study coordinator: Besaratinia, Ahmad

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.