GenomeCharacterization for AI/AN Cancer Health
Official title: Genome Characterization Unit
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11640964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH project aims to map the cancer genomes of American Indian and Alaska Native people to uncover unique mutations and patterns that could improve cancer screening, prevention, and treatment for AI/AN communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,249,629 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA252973-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11640964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
AI/AN individuals with cancer or at risk who participate in the study and community engagement activities.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not AI/AN or who do not participate in genomic sequencing or community engagement components may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on AI/AN populations who experience worse cancer outcomes. It plans to engage AI/AN participants and communities with respect and collaboration, and to perform comprehensive genomic sequencing of cancer samples. The goal is to identify germline and somatic mutations and mutational signatures that reflect distinct exposures, then translate findings into practical improvements in screening and prevention. The project is hosted at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, led by Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent, and spans several years. It emphasizes culturally appropriate partnerships and data sharing to benefit AI/AN communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to earlier cancer detection and more personalized prevention and treatment strategies for AI/AN people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cancer genomics efforts largely underrepresented AI/AN populations; this project seeks to address that gap with direct engagement and sequencing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trent, Jeffrey M. — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Trent, Jeffrey M.
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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.