Genetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Hispanic/Latino Cord Blood
Official title: Genetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Hispanic/Latino Cord Blood Samples
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11519683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how genetic differences shape gene activity in newborns of Hispanic/Latino heritage using cord blood, to better understand links to disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,779 |
| NIH project number | 7R21HL181171-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11519683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns of Hispanic/Latino ancestry whose cord blood samples are available in the NHLBI BioLINCC Biorepository
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly impact individuals without access to the research samples or without related health conditions.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how inherited genetic differences influence which genes are turned on or off in early life, using umbilical cord blood samples. By focusing on early-life gene expression, they hope to find stronger, clearer links between genetics and disease risk. The work leverages existing biorepository samples to identify expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and improve methods like TWAS for predicting disease risk from genetics. The goal is to shed light on why some Hispanic/Latino children may be at higher risk for conditions such as asthma and to reduce disparities in genetic research findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of how genetics affects early health and disease risk, informing better prevention and personalized approaches for Hispanic/Latino children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that bedrock eQTLs can illuminate disease genetics, but data in early life and specific populations are limited, making this study relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Smith, Adam — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: De Smith, Adam
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.