Epigenetic clues to MM risk differences in African Americans
Official title: Elucidating novel epigenetic etiology of risk disparities in multiple myeloma
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11376445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how epigenetic changes might explain why African American people have higher rates of multiple myeloma than European Americans, with a focus on 5hmC marks in tumor cells.
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 start | July 19, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $481,699 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD021741-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with multiple myeloma or at risk for MM, particularly African American adults, may benefit from findings.
✕Less likely to help
People without MM or those not represented in the study populations may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Multiple myeloma is a deadly blood cancer with higher incidence in African American communities. The project aims to study epigenetic differences, especially 5-hydroxymethylcytosine marks, in myeloma cells to understand why risk remains higher in African Americans beyond known genetic and lifestyle factors. By comparing tumor samples from diverse populations, the researchers hope to identify population-specific epigenetic patterns that could influence disease development and progression. The study will use advanced sequencing methods to distinguish 5hmC from 5mC in CD138+ bone marrow tumor cells, addressing methodological gaps in prior work. If successful, these insights could guide more precise risk assessment and future targeted interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of why African American patients have higher MM risk could lead to earlier detection and personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown population-related epigenetic differences in other cancers, but this project addresses a gap by focusing on 5hmC in MM.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiu, Brian C-H — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chiu, Brian C-H
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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.