Telomere Length Polymorphisms: A Potential Factor Underlying Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer in African American Men and Familial Prostate Cancer
Abstract
We are testing the hypothesis that differential telomere loss underlies the elevated risk of prostate cancer observed in African Americans and in families displaying a genetic cancer predisposition. To test this hypothesis, telomere content in genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of relevant cohorts will be determined and assessed for associations with either racial background or prostate cancer in members of prostate cancer families. Over the period of this report we have isolated genomic DNA from 128 members from prostate cancer families lacking strong genetic linkage between cancer risk and specific genomic loci. Buffy coat has been isolated from anonymous cord blood samples collected from newborns of different racial backgrounds and DNA is currently being isolated form these samples. We are currently in the queue to receive mid-life buffy coat samples from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The primary method for determining telomere content in genomic DNA samples, a quantitative real-time PCR assay, has now been established in our lab.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA484721
Entities
People
- Alan K Meeker
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University