Blood protein patterns linked to heart, metabolic, and kidney health in African Americans
Proteomics of Cardiometabolic and Renal Traits in African Americans
Researchers are using blood protein measurements to find markers that can predict heart, diabetes-related, and kidney problems in African American adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, this project looks at hundreds of proteins in blood samples from African American adults to find patterns tied to heart disease, diabetes complications, and kidney problems. The team uses an advanced proteomics platform (SomaLogic aptamer technology) together with genetic data to connect protein levels to future illness, including ancestry-related genes like APOL1. They work mainly with participants from the Jackson Heart Study and compare results across people of African and European ancestry to find proteins that change years before clinical disease appears. The goal is to reveal new biology and potential early-warning blood tests that could guide prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults—especially those already enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study or willing to provide blood samples and basic health information for long-term follow-up.
Not a fit: People without African ancestry, those not willing to provide blood or genetic samples, or anyone seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to get direct clinical benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of heart, metabolic, and kidney disease risk in African American patients and guide more personalized prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort studies using similar proteomic approaches have discovered biomarkers linked to heart and kidney disease, but translating these findings into routine clinical tests is still ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerszten, Robert E — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gerszten, Robert E
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 below.