Characterizing non-coding genetic variants that affect immune cells
Official title: Systematic characterization of trait-associated non-coding genetic variants across cellular states
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-11306523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how common DNA differences outside genes influence immune diseases by testing their effects in immune cells to better understand risk and guide new therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $752,253 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HG014361-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306523 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those at risk who could benefit from improved understanding of genetic risk and future targeted treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Participants not directly involved in trials or data collection related to specific treatments may not experience immediate personal benefits.
What this research studies
This project focuses on identifying the exact non-coding genetic variants that influence autoimmune disease risk and how they alter gene activity in immune cells. By combining chromatin accessibility data with allele-specific expression tests in T cells, the study aims to map causal variants to functional effects. The work uses powerful genomic assays to connect variants with changes in how immune cells behave, informing potential therapeutic targets. The overall goal is to translate these genetic insights into strategies that prevent or treat autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal precise genetic drivers of autoimmune diseases, guiding development of targeted therapies and personalized risk assessment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work combining MPRA in T cells and eQTL analyses has enriched for credible causal variants, supporting the approach but with ongoing validation needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, John Philip — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Ray, John Philip
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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.