Genes that affect risk for type 2 diabetes
Identifying Genes for Type 2 Diabetes: FUSION
This project looks for genetic differences that help explain why some people, especially older adults, develop type 2 diabetes and related traits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11392793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will analyze genetic data from large groups of people (including older adults) to find DNA differences linked to type 2 diabetes. They will combine data from several cohorts in Finland, the U.S., and other ancestry groups and use both array-based and sequencing approaches to pinpoint likely causal genes. People with particular genetic variants may be asked to come back for extra tests and detailed measurements to understand how those variants change metabolism. The team will also study human skeletal muscle samples at bulk and single-nucleus resolution to learn the cellular mechanisms behind the genetic findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at risk for or living with type 2 diabetes—especially older adults or those with a family history—who can provide genetic samples and, if invited, attend extra testing visits are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, those unwilling to provide genetic samples or participate in follow-up testing, or those with conditions unrelated to glucose metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments, improve prediction of who will get type 2 diabetes, and help tailor prevention or therapy for different people.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies and GWAS have already found many type 2 diabetes risk variants, and this project builds on that prior success by doing deeper mapping, multi-ancestry meta-analysis, and tissue-level studies that are less common.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boehnke, Michael L — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Boehnke, Michael L
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.