Award
NIH Reporter #5R01DE031863-04
Differentiating the biological effects of vaping from smoking by analyzing the methylome and transcriptome
Recipient
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Award Amount
$397,500.00
Ceiling
$397,500.00
Awarded
June 23, 2026
Identifier
5R01DE031863-04
Research project funded by NIDCR to differentiate biological effects of vaping versus smoking by analyzing methylome and transcriptome, developing biomarkers, and informing regulation.
Description
This project aims to segregate the biological effects of electronic cigarette use ('vaping') from smoking by measuring epigenetic and transcriptomic changes linked to disease risk in cells and tissues of healthy adults. It will analyze whole methylome and transcriptome in oral and blood cells of vapers, dual users, cigarette smokers, and controls, using genome-wide sequencing and bioinformatics. The goal is to develop biomarkers of exposure and effects, validate in patient populations, and inform FDA regulation.