Genetic testing for a condition affecting alcohol metabolism in East Asian Americans
Official title: A Community-Based Approach for ALDH2 Genetic Testing in East Asian Americans
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10861576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how East Asian Americans feel about genetic testing for a specific gene that affects how their bodies process alcohol, with the hope of using this information to help improve their health and encourage safer drinking habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,880 |
| NIH project number | 1K01HL173859-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are East Asian Americans who may carry the ALDH2*2 genetic variant and are interested in understanding their genetic predisposition to alcohol-related health risks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as East Asian or who do not have concerns related to alcohol metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the perceptions and potential benefits of ALDH2 genetic testing among East Asian Americans, a group significantly impacted by the ALDH2*2 variant, which affects alcohol metabolism and is linked to serious health conditions like Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The study aims to engage the community in understanding how genetic testing can be integrated into clinical care to improve health outcomes. By evaluating community members' views on the utility of this testing and assessing clinician opinions, the research seeks to promote lifestyle changes that could reduce health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The ultimate goal is to facilitate a shift from direct-to-consumer testing to clinical implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for East Asian Americans by promoting informed lifestyle changes and better clinical practices regarding alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in community engagement and genetic testing implementation in other populations, suggesting a promising approach for this underrepresented group.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Jennifer — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Young, Jennifer
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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.