Finding rare genetic changes linked to prostate cancer using diverse biobanks
Leveraging whole-exome sequence data from diverse biobanks and cohorts to study rare coding variation in prostate cancer
Researchers will combine genetic sequencing from many biobanks to find very rare gene changes that raise prostate cancer risk in men from diverse ancestries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176267 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines existing whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing data from multiple biobanks and cohorts across different ancestries to search for very rare protein-changing variants linked to prostate cancer. By pooling large amounts of data, researchers aim to find rare inherited variants—including in DNA repair genes like BRCA2—that may explain family risk and aggressive disease. The team will also integrate tumor (somatic) mutation data with germline data to better understand how inherited and tumor changes interact. Results are intended to improve understanding of biology and genetic risk across diverse populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with prostate cancer—especially those with aggressive disease, a family history, or who come from African, Asian, or other underrepresented ancestries—or people who can contribute blood or tumor samples or existing genomic data through participating cohorts.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or without available genetic or tumor data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve genetic risk prediction and help identify men who might benefit from earlier screening or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown rare mutations in DNA-repair genes like BRCA2 increase prostate cancer risk, but large multi-ancestry exome-wide efforts of this scale are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haiman, Christopher Alan — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Haiman, Christopher Alan
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.