Research & Science

The Science Behind SSCRCS

Three specific aims designed to generate the most comprehensive molecular understanding of colorectal cancer in African Americans.

Diverse research team reviewing study data and documents at a table
Specific Aims

Three Research Goals

Each aim builds on the previous, from participant recruitment to molecular analysis to clinical application.

1

Aim 1

Recruitment & Biospecimen Collection

Recruit approximately 2000 African American colorectal cancer patients and an equal number of age and sex matched controls. Collect self-reported questionnaire data and blood biospecimen suitable for multi-omics assays.

RecruitmentBiospecimens
2

Aim 2

Multi-Omics Molecular Profiling

Generate and analyze molecular data from biospecimen including genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiles to identify molecular features and biological pathways associated with colorectal cancer risk.

GenomicsTranscriptomicsEpigeneticsProteomicsMetabolomics
3

Aim 3

Risk Assessment Model Development

Develop colorectal cancer risk assessment models that integrated traditional epidemiological predictors with genetic and molecular features.

Risk ModelsEpidemiologyMachine Learning
Scientists working in molecular genomics laboratory at advanced equipment
Multi-Omics

Molecular Layers We Study

By integrating multiple molecular layers, we gain a complete picture of colorectal cancer biology.

Genomics

DNA sequence variation and germline genetic factors

Transcriptomics

Gene expression profiles from blood and tissue

Epigenomics

DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility

Proteomics

Protein abundance and functional signatures

Metabolomics

Metabolic pathway activity and small molecule profiles

Publications

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 7

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (7) · Cancer Epidemiology · 2026

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2026.7

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 6

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (6) · Translational Oncology · 2025

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2025.6

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 5

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (5) · Clinical Genomics · 2024

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2024.5

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 4

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (4) · Cancer Epidemiology · 2023

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2023.4

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 10

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (10) · Cancer Epidemiology · 2022

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2022.10

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 3

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (3) · Translational Oncology · 2022

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2022.3

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 2

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (2) · Clinical Genomics · 2021

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2021.2

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 9

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (9) · Translational Oncology · 2021

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2021.9

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 8

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (8) · Clinical Genomics · 2020

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2020.8

Seeded Multi-Omics Colorectal Risk Analysis 1

A. Gaye, M. Melese, Team SSCRCS (1) · Cancer Epidemiology · 2020

DOI: 10.5555/sscrcs.2020.1