How substance use affects DNA in LGBTQ+ adults
Substance use and DNA methylation at the intersection of sex and gender
This project looks at how substance use, hormones, and experiences of minority stress relate to DNA changes in sexual and gender minority adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11281159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work using The PRIDE Study, a national long-term study of more than 14,000 adults who are sexual and/or gender minorities, to track cannabis and other substance use over nine years. Researchers will compare patterns of substance use with hormonal exposures and measures of minority stress, and will study DNA methylation — chemical marks on DNA — as possible biomarkers tied to use. The team will combine annual survey data with biospecimen analyses to see how changes in use correspond with molecular changes over time. Findings aim to clarify biological pathways and help guide prevention and treatment options for SGM communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18+) who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities, especially those enrolled in or willing to join The PRIDE Study and provide health information and biospecimens.
Not a fit: People who are cisgender and heterosexual, younger than 18, or unable to provide biospecimens or health data are unlikely to be included or directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify DNA-based biomarkers to detect harmful substance use earlier and help tailor prevention or treatment for LGBTQ+ people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows substance use can leave DNA methylation signatures, but applying these methods specifically to sexual and gender minority groups and hormone-related effects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flentje, Annesa — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Flentje, Annesa
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.