NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Advanced genome and transcriptome analysis with long-read sequencing

Official title: Advanced genome and transcriptome analysis using long-read sequencing technologies

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11591256 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A researcher at a university is using long-read DNA and RNA sequencing to map complete genomes and transcriptomes for individuals to understand how genetic variations relate to disease risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startJuly 7, 2020
Project endApril 30, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$352,141
NIH project number7R35GM138212-08
Project IDNIH-11591256 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with suspected genetic susceptibility to complex diseases who could benefit from deeper genomic and transcriptomic insights.

Less likely to help

Individuals without or with non-genetic causes of disease may not experience direct benefit.

What this research studies

This project focuses on developing and applying long-read sequencing and new computational methods to assemble haplotype-resolved, telomere-to-telomere genomes and to analyze transcriptomes. By capturing complex structural variants, multi-allelic copy number changes, and transcriptome rearrangements, it aims to link genomic features to disease susceptibility. The work will create personalized genome annotations and explore how variations influence health and disease. Results could enable more precise genetic diagnoses and family-based risk assessments in the future.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of how individual genomes contribute to disease risk and inform personalized diagnostics and prevention strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Prior long-read sequencing efforts have shown improved detection of structural variations and complex rearrangements, with growing traction in personalized genomics.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chong, Zechen — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Chong, Zechen

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.