Combining genetic and molecular data to improve Alzheimer's risk prediction
Methods for Integrative Genomic Data Analysis
This project builds new ways to combine many kinds of genetic and molecular data so people — including those of African ancestry — can get more accurate predictions of their Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are creating new statistical tools to join large-scale genetic, epigenetic, and molecular datasets to find genes and pathways linked to Alzheimer's. They will develop better polygenic risk scores and use transfer learning methods to make predictions work across different ancestry groups. The work draws on GWAS and eQTL data to connect DNA variants to gene activity and disease mechanisms. Ultimately the team aims to make risk models that are more accurate and fair for diverse populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's, those worried about their future risk, and individuals from diverse ancestry groups (including African descent) who can share genetic or clinical data would be most relevant to this effort.
Not a fit: Patients without available genetic data or those seeking immediate changes in medical care are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this computational methods project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield more accurate and equitable genetic risk predictions for Alzheimer's and highlight genes or pathways that might become targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches using polygenic risk scores and integrative GWAS-eQTL analyses have shown promise but often perform worse in non-European populations, so this work aims to improve on those gaps.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hongzhe — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hongzhe
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.