Cellular tests of how genes and environment shape disease risk
Official title: Experimental Cellular Approaches to Genotype × Environment Interaction
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11621842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using patient-derived stem cells to see how genetics and environmental exposures interact to affect disease-related cellular traits.
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) | $15,336 |
| NIH project number | 3RM1GM149403-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who can donate blood-derived cells to generate iPSCs and who have diverse genetic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot donate tissues or who are not part of the iPSC derivation process may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will derive iPSC lines from individuals and turn them into disease-relevant cell types to test how environmental factors alter cellular behavior. They will compare cellular traits before and after controlled environmental challenges to uncover genotype–environment interactions. This helps translate population findings into cellular mechanisms that may underlie disease risk. The work uses non-invasive methods and aims to identify biomarker-like cellular changes tied to genetics and environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal cellular mechanisms linking genes, environment, and disease risk, potentially guiding personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Similar iPSC-based GEI studies have shown promise in revealing how genetics and environment shape cellular traits, but this approach is still relatively novel.
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.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How specific RNA molecules influence estrogen-driven cell growth
This project looks at whether certain RNA molecules change how estrogen fuels growth in estrogen-receptor-positive cells, which is relevant to people with ER-positive breast cancer.
-
How a Mild Brain Injury Might Raise Heart Disease Risk Later
A study in people with a mild brain injury (like a concussion) explores how inflammation after injury could lead to heart disease years down the line.
-
Genomic clues to how pollutants raise depression risk in Mexican American families
This project looks at how environmental pollutants may contribute to major depressive disorder in multi-generational Mexican American families, using genomic and pollutant measurements to find risky factors.
-
Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
-
Community Engagement Core for Genomics in South Texas
A community-focused program in South Texas will build trusted relationships, improve understanding of genomics, and encourage participation in genomic research to benefit local health.
-
Workforce Development Core for Genomics Literacy and Training
This grant aims to grow and diversify the genomics workforce by training scientists, educators, and healthcare professionals while improving genomic literacy among the general public.
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.