The human body is composed of trillions of cells that contain DNA, the fundamental blueprint of life. When these cells divide to make new cells, small DNA errors, known as somatic mutations, may occur. While mostly harmless, somatic mutations can occasionally trigger accelerated cell growth, especially when affecting cancer-related genes like TP53. The accumulation of such mutations during aging can result in malignant tumor formation. These mutations also lead to the growth of small groups of cells, known as clones, on the lining of organs such as the skin or the intestine. Recent animal research has demonstrated that such clones can compete with each other for space. While this competition might play an important role in the development of cancer, its role in human tissues is currently unknown. Our project aims to understand how these mutant clones compete with each other, using human tissue samples from the head and neck region. We will first identify the mutations using established DNA sequencing approaches. Then we will use a combination of advanced technologies to create detailed maps that show the precise location of these clones in the examined tissues. These maps will allow us to determine patterns indicative of clonal competition. Better understanding of the influence of clonal competition on the earliest stages of human cancer development holds promise for novel approaches for cancer detection and treatment.