Analyzing viral communities in human samples
Official title: Biospecimen Analysis Core: Generating high quality data to characterize the human virome
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10990196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different viruses in our bodies by examining samples from over 4,000 people across the U.S., and it aims to help us understand how these viruses might affect our health.
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 | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,188,640 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089325-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from diverse backgrounds who are willing to provide biological samples from multiple anatomical sites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not willing or able to provide biological samples or those with specific viral infections that are not being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the human virome by analyzing viral sequences from various biological samples collected from over 4,000 individuals across the United States. The study employs advanced genomic techniques to capture and sequence viruses from different anatomical sites, including stool, urine, blood, and more. By developing innovative methods for sample processing and sequencing, the research aims to improve the recovery of viral genetic material, which could lead to better insights into the role of viruses in human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of viral interactions in the human body, potentially leading to improved diagnostics and treatments for viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in viral metagenomics has shown promising results in characterizing viral communities, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gnirke, Andreas — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gnirke, Andreas
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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.