Epigenetics behind aggressive prostate cancer in Puerto Rican men
Project 1: Epigenetic variations associated with aggressiveness in prostate cancer among Puerto Rican men
Researchers are looking at chemical tags on DNA in prostate tumors from Puerto Rican men to find patterns linked to more aggressive or treatment‑resistant cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will analyze DNA methylation (chemical tags on DNA) in prostate tumor samples from Puerto Rican men and compare those patterns to gene activity. They will use tissue and data from the Florida prostate cancer biobank, Moffitt Cancer Center, and public datasets like TCGA. The team will also consider genetic ancestry (population admixture) to see if background genetics change methylation patterns. The overall approach combines lab analysis of tumor DNA with comparison to existing patient data to look for biomarkers tied to aggressive or therapy‑resistant disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men of Puerto Rican ancestry with prostate cancer, especially those with aggressive or treatment‑resistant tumors who can provide tumor tissue or allow access to their clinical samples and records, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer, those of other ancestries not represented in the study, or patients seeking immediate changes to their current treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biomarkers that help predict which prostate cancers are likely to be aggressive and guide more personalized treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that DNA methylation can mark aggressive prostate cancers, but focusing specifically on Puerto Rican men and the modifying role of population admixture is a newer and less‑tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jong Y. — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Park, Jong Y.
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.