Cellular tests of how genes and environment affect cells in disease-related settings
Official title: Experimental Cellular Approaches to Genotype × Environment Interaction
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11394879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cellular study using patient-derived iPSCs to understand how genetic differences and environmental factors interact to influence disease-related cell behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,603,644 |
| NIH project number | 5RM1GM149403-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose genetic backgrounds and exposure histories allow iPSC derivation from blood cells and differentiation into disease-relevant cell types.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without access to iPSC-derived analyses or genetic/environmental data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will create iPSC lines from participants and differentiate them into organ-specific cell types to study how genetic background and controlled environmental exposures shape cellular traits. By comparing cellular responses before and after the environmental challenge, the study aims to reveal genotype–environment interactions that may contribute to disease risk. The work leverages advanced stem cell tech to observe cellular changes that could link genetics, environment, and health outcomes in humans. The approach could help identify new biomarkers and mechanisms relevant to aging and brain-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better understanding of individual disease risk and pave the way for personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that iPSC-based GEI research can reveal meaningful cellular responses, but this exact approach is innovative and builds on emerging methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran, Joanne E. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Curran, Joanne 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.