# Epigenomic and Gene Expression Signatures of Racial Differences in Chronic Low Back Pain

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2024 · $62,942

## Abstract

Project Summary
The purpose of this research project is to provide research and career development training for Ms.
Kiari R. Kinnie, a doctoral student in Nursing at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This
administrative supplement, in response to PA-23-189: “Research Supplements to Promote Diversity
in Health-Related Research”, will expand the RO1 funded parent project titled, “Epigenomic and
Gene Expression Signatures of Chronic Low Back Pain (Aroke, PI). This supplement will support the
final year of pre-doctoral education, training, research, and mentorship of an outstanding student who
has obtained significant strides despite poverty and other significant adversities. Ms. Kinnie is a
registered nurse with significant desire to cultivate research to mitigate pain disparities of
disadvantaged populations. The primary aim of this research project is to determine the extent in
which epigenetic modification’s influences the relationship between resilience and chronic low back
pain (chronic LBP). Thus, we will examine how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation
and cortisol levels: 1) differ between individuals with high and low resilience and 2) how these levels
predict chronic low back pain outcomes, such as functioning, disability, and pain severity, 3) differ
between Black and white individuals. The career development component of this supplement will
afford Ms. Kinnie with opportunities to acquire specific specialized research and educational training
in Epigenetics, disseminate research at national and international conferences, and access multiple
levels of mentorship. This administrative supplement will allow Ms. Kinnie an equal opportunity to
become a successful independent researcher. This project will be overseen by primary mentor, Dr.
Edwin Aroke, a minority researcher with clinical and research expertise in nursing, chronic pain, and
epigenetic research. This expertise in combination, with Ms. Kinnie’s determination and passion for
innovative nursing research, will provide Ms. Kinnie with the excellent foundation to pursue her own
program of research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10974708
- **Project number:** 3R01AR079178-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Edwin Ngomueh Aroke
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $62,942
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-06-15 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10974708

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10974708, Epigenomic and Gene Expression Signatures of Racial Differences in Chronic Low Back Pain (3R01AR079178-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10974708. Licensed CC0.

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