How social and individual factors affect DNA changes and lung cancer risk in African Americans
Individual and social contextual factors in relation to DNA methylation, biological aging, and lung cancer risk
This study is looking at how things like your background and lifestyle can affect your DNA and how quickly your body ages, especially for African Americans, to better understand why some people in tougher situations are at higher risk for lung cancer, with hopes of finding ways to help reduce that risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082407 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual and social factors, such as socioeconomic status and lifestyle choices, influence DNA methylation and biological aging, particularly in African Americans. It aims to understand the connection between these factors and the increased risk of lung cancer in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. By utilizing data from the Southern Community Cohort Study, which includes a diverse group of participants, the research will explore the biological mechanisms that may link these social determinants to health outcomes. The findings could provide insights into how to reduce lung cancer risk through targeted interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, who are at risk for lung cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or those who do not have risk factors associated with lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for lung cancer prevention and treatment tailored to the needs of African American communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social and lifestyle factors can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Qiuyin — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cai, Qiuyin
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.