Understanding how vaping and smoking affect the body differently
Differentiating the biological effects of vaping from smoking by analyzing the methylome and transcriptome
This study is looking at how vaping and smoking affect your DNA and gene activity in healthy adults, so we can better understand the health risks of both habits and find new ways to measure their impact.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086089 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological effects of vaping compared to smoking by analyzing changes in DNA and gene activity in healthy adults who use e-cigarettes or cigarettes. The study will measure these changes in cells and tissues to identify how the intensity and duration of use, as well as the type of products, influence health risks. By comparing users to non-users, the research aims to uncover new biomarkers that can help assess the health implications of vaping versus smoking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older who either vape, smoke, or do not use either product.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or cigarettes and are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the health risks associated with vaping and smoking, potentially leading to better public health recommendations.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on the effects of smoking, this specific approach to differentiate vaping from smoking through epigenetic analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Besaratinia, Ahmad — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Besaratinia, Ahmad
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.