Genes and immune signals linked to type 2 diabetes in people of African ancestry
Unravelling the Role of Epigenetics and Cytokines in Type 2 Diabetes among African-ancestry Populations
This project looks at how chemical tags on genes (epigenetics) and blood signaling proteins (cytokines) relate to type 2 diabetes in people of African ancestry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261771 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze genetic, epigenetic (DNA methylation), and cytokine data from people of African ancestry in the US, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa to understand biological differences linked to type 2 diabetes. They will combine multi-omics datasets with genetic tools like Mendelian randomization and polygenic scores to separate effects of genetics, lifestyle, and epigenetic changes. The work builds on prior findings and uses existing samples and health information rather than testing a new drug. Results are meant to point to biological pathways that could explain higher diabetes rates and guide future prevention or treatment studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of African ancestry, with or without type 2 diabetes, who can provide blood samples or join existing research cohorts in the US, Europe, or sub-Saharan Africa are the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without African ancestry or those seeking an immediate treatment change are unlikely to get direct clinical benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological markers and pathways explaining higher type 2 diabetes risk in African-ancestry populations and help target future prevention or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked DNA methylation and cytokine differences to type 2 diabetes, but applying causal genetic methods and multi-omics specifically in African-ancestry groups is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meeks, Karlijn Anna Catharina — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Meeks, Karlijn Anna Catharina
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.