MSM/WCI Partnership to Investigate Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer

(Morehouse School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory)

Partnership Abstract

The purpose of this partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), and Winship Cancer Institute (WCI) at Emory University is to further enhance the capacity at MSM for excellence in prostate cancer research. Despite significant progress in our understanding of cancer biology during the last 3 decades, racial and ethnic disparities persist in the incidence, treatment and outcomes of cancer. Institutions of higher learning that target minority healthcare and education (MSIs, minority serving institutions) are ideal settings in which to conduct science aimed at reducing these health care disparities.

However MSIs have been historically less well-equipped to engage in the cutting-edge research that must form the cornerstone of this endeavor. This planning grant will fund research projects on prostate cancer that are a collaborative effort among investigators at the two partner institutions as well as provide an infrastructure and intellectual environment (prostate cancer lecture series & career development) to foster healthy collaborative interaction between MSM and WCI. One pilot project will develop a new animal model in which to study the molecular biology of circadian rhythms in prostate tissue, in order to gain a better understanding of the important role those rhythms play in the pathogenesis, progression and treatment of prostate cancer. The objective of the overall program is to build skills and infrastructure at MSM for excellence in prostate cancer experimental biology via partnership with WIC, resulting in independent grant funding from MSM investigators.