A method to analyze genetic mutations in tissues over time
Official title: A Platform for Scalable Spatial Somatic Variant Profiling
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-11134556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny changes in our genes build up in different parts of our body as we age, using a special method to see where these changes happen, which could help us understand how they affect our health and lead to diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,313 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS132135-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of genetic mutations or those at risk for age-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant genetic mutations or those not affected by age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how somatic mutations accumulate in human tissues throughout a person's life. By using a novel technique called Slide-DNA-seq, the study aims to spatially map these mutations, which can provide insights into how they affect cell function and contribute to diseases. The approach focuses on understanding the arrangement of genetic variants within tissues, which can reveal important information about the development of conditions related to aging and other adverse outcomes. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their genetic makeup influences health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for diagnosing and treating diseases linked to genetic mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using spatial profiling techniques to understand genetic mutations, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Fei — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Chen, Fei
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.