Environmental factors and genetics shaping suicidal thoughts and behaviors in US Veterans
Official title: Environmental Moderators of Genetic Liability for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in US Veterans: A Multi-Omics Approach
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11292443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will explore how environments and genetic factors together influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors in US Veterans to identify ways to prevent harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2026 |
| Project end | December 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2RD001336-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) who are US Veterans and may be involved in or affected by suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Non-veteran adults or individuals without or with low risk of STBs may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to build advanced skills in psychiatric genomics to understand how psychosocial factors interact with genetic risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in veterans. The team will study how environmental experiences relate to polygenic risk and how epigenetic changes are linked to STB phenotypes. They plan to use big data methods, including epigenomics and transcriptomics, to uncover biopsychosocial pathways that contribute to suicide risk. The goal is to generate insights that could inform better prevention and treatment strategies for veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better understanding of who is most at risk and how environmental factors modify genetic risk, guiding personalized prevention efforts for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: This area is rapidly advancing with novel integration of psychosocial factors and epigenomics, and this project plans a large-scale, pioneering approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischer, Ian C — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Fischer, Ian C
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.