Award
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 5R01DE031863-04
Differentiating the biological effects of vaping from smoking by analyzing the methylome and transcriptome
Recipient
University of Southern California
Award Amount
$397,500.00
Ceiling
$397,500.00
Awarded
June 23, 2026
Identifier
5R01DE031863-04
The award funds research to differentiate the biological effects of vaping versus smoking by analyzing molecular changes in users' cells. The study will develop biomarkers to assess health risks and benefits, supporting tobacco product regulation and public health education.
Description
This project aims to segregate the biological effects of electronic cigarette (e-cig) use ('vaping') from smoking by measuring epigenetic and transcriptomic changes linked to disease risk in cells and tissues of healthy adult vapers and/or cigarette smokers compared to controls. It will determine how these molecular alterations are influenced by vaping/smoking intensity, duration, and product characteristics. The study will develop novel biomarkers of exposure and effects to assess health risks or benefits of vaping relative to smoking, informing tobacco regulation and public health.