Community genomics and genetic risk scores for heart and metabolic health
Community Based Genomic Medicine and Polygenic Scoring
Researchers are building a local biobank and using participants' genetic and health data to create genetic risk scores that could help predict heart and metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11385932 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to join a community genomics program in Southeast Minnesota that seeks input from people of different ages. Participants give a blood sample (for DNA, RNA, and plasma), allow linkage to their electronic health record, and complete surveys about lifestyle and exposures. The team will build a biobank of about 1,000 people and use those data to develop and refine genetic risk scores for cardiometabolic traits like BMI, blood markers, and disease risk. The project also includes community engagement about consent, data sharing, and whether and how genetic results should be returned to participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people of any age who live in the Rochester/Southeast Minnesota area and are willing to give blood, share health record information, and complete surveys.
Not a fit: People living outside the recruitment area, those unwilling to share genetic or health-record data, or those seeking immediate treatment benefits are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher genetic risk for heart disease, diabetes, or obesity earlier so they might receive more personalized prevention or monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows polygenic risk scores can help predict cardiometabolic risk in some groups but often perform less well in diverse or underrepresented populations, so this project aims to improve local accuracy.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Somers, Virend K — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Somers, Virend K
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.