Principal Investigator: Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD

Funding Source: National Cancer Institute

Project Summary: This award proposes a multi-omic systems biology approach to elucidate the roles of the vaginal microbiome and psychological stress in progression of precancerous cervical lesions to cancer, notably, in the known disparities between Black and White women. The study will provide targeted bioinformatic, statistical and molecular biology training to analyze microbiome and stress experience data, using an integrative systems biology framework to inform future clinically relevant prognostic biomarkers, risk stratification protocols, and interventions to intercept cervical cancer development.

Principal Investigator: Jessica G. LaRose, PhD
Co-Investigator: Autumn Lanoye, PhD

Funding Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Project Summary: This is a randomized clinical trial to test the preliminary efficacy of an integrated lifestyle intervention targeting proinflammatory behaviors and psychological function on adiposity and biomarkers of inflammation and cardiometabolic disease among emerging adult women, compared to a developmentally adapted behavioral obesity treatment program.

Principal Investigator: Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D.

The SACRED WOMB Projects consist of a series of research initiatives that investigate multiple layers of the relationship between the microbiome and precancerous cervical lesions.

Project 1
Funding Source: American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant

Project summary: This project focuses on exploring the role of the vaginal microbiome (VMB) in the risk of developing precancerous cervical lesions. It revealed that specific types of VMB offer protection against cervical lesion development for white women but not for Black women.

Project 2
Funding Source: National Cancer Institute

Project Summary: This project aims to investigate the influence of daily stress experiences and the cortisol psycho-endocrine pathway, on the VMB. It seeks to understand how stress affects differential rates of precancerous cervical lesions among different racial groups.

Project 3
Funding Source: V Foundation

Project Summary: This project further explores the potential mediating role of VMB and HPV dynamics in the psycho-endocrine pathway that links stress to regression of precancerous cervical lesions.