Disease gene discovery using a Markovian gene network
Official title: DMS/NIGMS 1: Disease gene discovery by Markovian gene network
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11396459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, patient-friendly method uses network thinking to find genes that may cause complex diseases based on patient data and how genes interact.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $191,528 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM157610-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or families with suspected genetic contributions to complex diseases, from which patient data can help identify gene networks.
✕Less likely to help
People without a genetic component to their condition or without access to applicable patient data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops an interpretable statistical method to identify disease-causing genes by modeling how genes influence each other over time. It focuses on gene-gene interaction networks and uses a Markovian framework to capture evolving relationships. The work aims to provide rigorous confidence in pinpointing root disease genes that could guide future testing and treatments. The research is rooted in medical genetics and aims to translate big data from patients into understandable gene targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve our ability to identify the genes responsible for complex diseases, informing more precise diagnostics and targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Similar network-based genetic approaches have shown promise in highlighting candidate genes, though this Markovian approach aims to strengthen statistical confidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Min — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Xu, Min
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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.