DNA methylation patterns linked to COPD progression
EpiGNOME: Epigenetic Graphical Networks Of Methylation Effectors for COPD Progression
Using large clinical and genetic datasets, researchers will look for DNA methylation patterns that help explain and predict how COPD progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251571 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at DNA methylation — chemical marks on genes — to find patterns tied to how COPD gets worse over time. The team will create new computational 'causal graph' methods to untangle very large, closely linked methylation datasets and connect them with genetic, blood/tissue, and clinical measures such as CT scans. They will apply these methods to population-scale patient datasets and samples to identify molecular subtypes and potential cause-and-effect links related to disease progression. Much of the work is computational using existing data and samples, so it may not require new clinic visits but could point to biomarkers for future tests or trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed COPD diagnosis who have provided blood or tissue samples or who have longitudinal clinical and CT scan data in a research cohort would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People without COPD or those seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this mainly computational, early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal methylation markers that predict faster COPD decline and help guide more personalized monitoring or treatment plans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found links between DNA methylation and COPD traits, but applying new directed causal-graph methods at population scale is relatively novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benos, Panagiotis V — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Benos, Panagiotis V
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.