Admixture mapping to find genetic modifiers of sickle cell disease in adults
Official title: Admixture Mapping of Genetic Modifiers in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11440602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with sickle cell disease will look for inherited genes that change how the disease shows up, beyond the main HbS mutation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $238,516 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL188907-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sickle cell disease, particularly those of African ancestry or African American background, who are part of or connected to the OMG-SCD cohort.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not see direct personal benefit if genetic modifiers do not translate into clinical changes during the study period.
What this research studies
This project builds on the OMG-SCD cohort to explore how additional genetic variation influences adult sickle cell symptoms and organ complications. The team will use admixture mapping and newer analytic methods to identify genetic factors that modify disease severity and outcomes. Findings could help explain why some adults have more severe issues like bilirubin elevation or kidney problems while others do not. The research aims to strengthen our understanding of personalized risk and pave the way for targeted interventions. Participants would contribute data and possibly samples from existing cohorts to advance these insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better risk prediction and more personalized care for adults with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies identified some genetic modifiers, but replication across studies has been limited, making this work important to validate and extend findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashley-Koch, Allison E — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Ashley-Koch, Allison E
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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.