# Epigenetic Differences in Stress-Related Genes in Transgender Minorities

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2022 · $99,995

## Abstract

Epigenetic Differences in Stress-Related Genes in Transgender Minorities
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with substantial costs in the US and living with CLBP can have a
negative impact on quality of life. Individuals who identify as racial minorities are often undertreated for chronic
pain conditions and report more severe and disabling CLBP. However, whereas there are established sex
differences in the expression and treatment of chronic pain, little work has investigated the burden of chronic
pain in gender minorities including transgender (trans) men and women. Here we are proposing to recruit
transmen (N=15) and transwomen (N=15) to a current study investigating the racial differences in DNA
methylation (DNAm) and gene expression in Black and White CLBP sufferers, with an emphasis on stressful
environmental exposures. Trans individuals, often racial minorities in the local area, face compounded daily
stress, stigma and discrimination related to race, gender and chronic pain. Thus, the addition of this population
to the current study will allow a novel investigation of gender identity and the impact on DNAm and gene
expression. In line with the Notice of Special Interest (NOD-OD-22-032), we will be adding gender minority
participants (i.e. transgender) to an ongoing study (R01AR079178) to allow for the first exploration of gender
identity effects on stress-related DNAm and gene expression.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10553916
- **Project number:** 3R01AR079178-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Edwin Ngomueh Aroke
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $99,995
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-06-15 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10553916

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10553916, Epigenetic Differences in Stress-Related Genes in Transgender Minorities (3R01AR079178-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10553916. Licensed CC0.

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