Investigating a specific RNA in lung cancer disparities among African Americans
Official title: Ethnicity-driven pfeRNA in African American health disparities in lung cancer.
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11074534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why African Americans get non-small cell lung cancer more often than others, and it hopes to find special RNA molecules that could help create better treatments just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $206,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA290334-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer or those with benign pulmonary nodules.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not African American or those without lung-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why African Americans experience higher rates of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to other racial groups. By analyzing clinical specimens from patients, the study aims to identify unique RNA molecules that are expressed in African Americans but not in Caucasians or Asians. The researchers utilize advanced sequencing techniques and bioinformatics to profile these RNA molecules, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets to improve lung cancer outcomes in African American patients. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options tailored specifically for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that significantly improve lung cancer outcomes for African American patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying unique genetic factors in specific populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Yuping — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Yuping
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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.