Decoding how genes and environment shape complex traits
Official title: Decoding Gene-Environment Interactions in Complex Traits via Multi-Omics Approaches
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11397498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant would study how genetic differences and environmental factors work together to influence complex traits and diseases using advanced multi-omics in model organisms and natural populations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $408,810 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM160135-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose conditions are influenced by complex gene–environment interactions and who may benefit from future tests or therapies informed by multi-omics insights.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not linked to the studied gene–environment interactions may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine experimental and computational approaches to map how genes interact with environments to drive trait variation and disease risk. They will study cryptic genetic variations revealed by environmental or genetic changes, and look for genomic patterns in populations adapted to extreme conditions. The project uses cutting-edge omics methods to link genome, transcriptome, metabolome, and phenotype, aiming to build a comprehensive gene–network view of complex traits. The work will involve both laboratory experiments and analysis of natural populations to understand how diet and other conditions influence disease-related traits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could uncover new gene–environment interactions that contribute to disease, guiding personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using multi-omics and environment-genome analyses have shown promise in identifying cryptic variations; this project extends those approaches to complex traits.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhuang, Xuan — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Zhuang, Xuan
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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.