Pilot Projects

Title: Molecular Alterations in Epithelial Cells of Smokers Residing in Northern Manhattan.

Investigator: Charles Powell, MD

Description: The specific aims of the proposal evaluate the central hypothesis that biomarkers of exposure to mutagens and biomarkers of effect in epithelial cells are increased in smokers who reside in Northern Manhattan. In the primary phase of the study, the investigators are recruiting 120 healthy male and female subjects between the ages of 30 and 60.  To date, they have enrolled 60 subjects and have evaluated them in the outpatient suite of the Columbia University . From each subject, demographic data, blood, sputum, buccal cells and urine have been obtained. Currently, these samples are being analyzed for loss of heterozygosity and for presence of DNA adducts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with the assistance of the Biomarkers Laboratory.

Grant: Preliminary data from the pilot grant was integral in Dr. Powell’s application for an NIEHS K23 mentored Patient Oriented Research award entitled “Susceptibility to Molecular Alterations in Epithlelial Cells” ES00354