We aim to better understand how hereditary factors involved in regulating vitamin D levels are associated with risk of colorectal cancer in this high-risk population. We have completed a large-scale study of vitamin D receptor genetic factors in colorectal cancer using samples of over 1000 African Americans and 1000 individuals of European descent. In this comprehensive study, we did not find vitamin D receptor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), single variations in DNA sequences, associations with colorectal cancer. Our results are in agreement with recent reports in Caucasians which also did not find associations of vitamin D receptor and colorectal cancer (Poynter) or colonic adenomas (Egan). Study of vitamin D receptor genetic variants for association with colorectal in the African American population is important given the overall higher incidence of colorectal cancer and mortality as well as lower vitamin D levels in this population compared to other US populations. I have collaborated with investigators at Howard University in Washington, DC on a study looking at the association of vitamin D genetic factors and colon polyps. This work has recently been submitted to a prominent journal and is under review. My research technician and I have started designing further studies looking at other genes involved in vitamin D regulation. Finally, my first-author paper looking at genome wide genetic factors in colorectal cancer was accepted by the premier gastroenterology journal called Gastroenterology. In addition, I received confirmation that my National Institutes of Health K08 career development award was granted in mid-September.