Finding genetic causes of atrial fibrillation using whole genome data
Probing Phenotype-Genotype Relations After Whole Genome Sequencing in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
This work uses whole genome and exome data to link rare genetic changes to atrial fibrillation, especially in adults who developed AF before age 60.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the full genetic code from people with atrial fibrillation to find rare variants that might cause dangerous inherited heart conditions. Researchers combine sequencing data from large NIH-supported cohorts, including participants recruited at Vanderbilt, and compare genetic findings with medical records and heart tests. They will map which variants co-occur with heart muscle disease or electrical channel disorders and how those variants show up clinically. The aim is to help recognize people whose AF is the first sign of a more serious inherited condition so they can get earlier monitoring or preventive care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atrial fibrillation—particularly those diagnosed before age 60 or with a family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose AF is clearly caused by temporary or non-genetic factors, or those not represented in the studied cohorts, may not receive direct benefit from the project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people with AF who have hidden inherited heart disease so they can receive targeted monitoring and prevention to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic testing has already helped diagnose inherited arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy in other settings, but applying whole-genome and exome data specifically to find rare high-impact variants in people with AF is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shoemaker, Moore Benjamin — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shoemaker, Moore Benjamin
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.