How genes and biological markers interact with lifestyle to affect breast and colorectal cancer risk
Integration of Omic Data in the Analysis of Gene x Environment Interaction
This project looks at whether genetic and other biological markers together with lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, obesity, and red meat explain differences in breast and colorectal cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192253 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines genetic data with other biological measurements—such as gene activity, metabolites, DNA methylation, and microbiome profiles—from large groups of people to see how these factors interact with lifestyle exposures like smoking, alcohol, obesity, and red meat. Researchers are developing two types of statistical methods: one that screens individual genes or omic markers and another that models multiple markers jointly to find combined effects. The work uses samples and long-term data from multi-ethnic cohorts and large consortia with hundreds of thousands of participants to improve chances of finding meaningful interactions. The aim is to connect specific exposures to biological pathways so future prevention or targeted approaches may be possible.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with or without breast or colorectal cancer who can share medical and lifestyle histories and agree to provide biological samples (blood, tissue, or stool) through participating cohort studies or clinics.
Not a fit: People with cancers unrelated to breast or colorectal disease, those unable or unwilling to give samples or exposure information, or those seeking immediate treatment changes would be unlikely to benefit directly from this methods-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher cancer risk from specific exposures and point to biological targets for prevention or more personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: Large consortium efforts have used omic data to find cancer-related associations, but integrating multiple omics specifically to find gene-by-environment interactions is still a relatively new and method-driven area.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gauderman, William James — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gauderman, William James
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.