Understanding Androgen Pathways in African American Prostate Cancer
Aberrant Activation of Androgen Signaling Pathways in African American Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11097304
This project looks into how certain hormone signals, called androgen pathways, act differently in African American men with prostate cancer, aiming to find new ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11097304 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
African American men face a higher risk of prostate cancer and more severe outcomes. This project explores how specific hormone signals, known as androgen pathways, might be unusually active in their prostate cancer cells. Researchers are looking at genetic differences, like the length of certain DNA repeats (CAGs) in the androgen receptor gene, which are often shorter in African American men and linked to earlier, more aggressive cancer. They are also examining how these androgen signals interact with other cell pathways, like Wnt signaling, and how surrounding cells in the prostate might contribute to cancer growth. The goal is to uncover the unique molecular reasons behind prostate cancer in African American men.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational and does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical efforts stemming from this work would likely focus on African American men with prostate cancer or those at high risk.
Not a fit: Patients not of African American descent or those without prostate cancer would not directly benefit from the specific findings of this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to detect, prevent, or treat prostate cancer specifically tailored for African American men.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of androgens in prostate cancer is well-established, this specific focus on the unique molecular mechanisms in African American men, including CAG repeat length and Wnt pathway co-activation, represents a novel and less explored area.
Where this research is happening
BRONX, UNITED STATES
- ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — BRONX, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUN, ZIJIE — ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: SUN, ZIJIE
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.