Understanding genetic cancer risks in diverse populations
Official title: Characterizing genetic risk of cancer across diverse populations through multi-ancestry epigenome profiling and chromatin QTL discovery
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11020454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in our genes might affect the risk of cancer, especially in men of African ancestry, to help find new ways to understand and prevent cancer in different backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $720,252 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA296432-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include men of African ancestry who are at risk for prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of European ancestry may not benefit directly from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations influence cancer risk across different ancestral backgrounds. By focusing on chromatin quantitative trait loci (cQTLs), the study aims to uncover how these genetic variants affect gene regulation related to cancer. The research will involve profiling regulatory elements in prostate cancer samples from men of African ancestry, addressing gaps in current knowledge that primarily focuses on European populations. This approach seeks to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to cancer risk in diverse groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer risk assessment and targeted prevention strategies for diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies on cQTLs in European populations, this research aims to explore a novel approach by focusing on ancestrally diverse cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baca, Sylvan C. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Baca, Sylvan C.
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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.