Why prostate cancer risk is higher in some men, especially men of African ancestry
An integrative multi-omics approach to characterize prostate cancer risk in diverse populations
This project combines genetic, tissue, and molecular data to find biological reasons some men—particularly those of African ancestry—have higher prostate cancer risk.
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-11177848 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will link DNA differences from large genetic studies with measurements of gene activity and other molecular traits from prostate tissue and blood to pinpoint which genes and pathways change cancer risk. They will include samples from men of diverse ancestries, with a focus on men of African descent, to make results more applicable to groups with higher deaths from prostate cancer. The team will map molecular quantitative trait loci (molQTLs) and use them to connect non-coding genetic variants to the genes they influence. Outcomes aim to reveal biological mechanisms behind risk that could guide future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be men willing to provide blood or tissue samples and genetic information, especially men of African ancestry and men with or without prostate cancer who want to help improve understanding of risk.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or cure, women, or men who cannot or will not provide samples are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this genetic and molecular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve risk prediction and identify biological targets for new tests or treatments that better serve men from diverse backgrounds.
How similar studies have performed: Related multi-omics and genetic follow-up efforts have successfully identified risk regions and mechanisms, but applying these approaches broadly to diverse populations is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mancuso, Nicholas — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Mancuso, Nicholas
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.