Investigating how structural racism affects immune responses and genetic mutations related to MGUS in African Americans
Official title: Role of Disadvantage, Mutographs and T Cell Immunity on MGUS in African Americans
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11108602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how racism affects the way certain genetic changes and immune responses work in African Americans who are at risk for a condition called MGUS, which can lead to multiple myeloma, to help find better ways to prevent and treat this health issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,510 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300518-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who may be at risk for MGUS or have been diagnosed with it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of African descent or those without a diagnosis or risk factors for MGUS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how structural racism influences the relationship between genetic mutations and T cell immunity in African Americans at risk for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma. By focusing on this population, the study seeks to uncover the environmental and genomic factors that contribute to the higher incidence of MGUS among African Americans. Participants will be evaluated for specific mutational signatures and immune responses, helping to identify the underlying causes of health disparities. The findings could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies tailored to this demographic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of MGUS, ultimately improving outcomes for African American patients at risk for multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on MGUS and multiple myeloma, this specific focus on structural racism and its impact on African American populations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Elizabeth E — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Brown, Elizabeth E
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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.