High-resolution models of how human mixing and adaptation over time shape disease risk
High resolution models for understanding admixture, adaptation and disease in humans through the lens of time series genomic data
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11272253
This project builds new computer tools that combine ancient and modern DNA to show how past population mixing and evolution influence disease risk for different groups.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11272253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine ancient DNA from archaeological samples with large modern genetic studies to track how gene frequencies changed over time and across places. They will create scalable computational methods to automatically reconstruct population mixing histories and large family trees from many genomes. These models will be used to improve how we account for ancestry and relatedness when linking genes to diseases, especially in populations with complex histories. The work focuses on software and statistical tools that other scientists can use to make genetic studies more accurate and inclusive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who could participate are those willing to share genetic data or samples, especially from underrepresented or admixed ancestry groups.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatments or clinical trials will not benefit directly because the grant focuses on developing computational methods rather than testing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tools could make genetic risk estimates more accurate and equitable and help researchers discover disease-related genes missed by current methods.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using ancient DNA and GWAS has revealed ancestry-related disease patterns, but combining these data at large scale with automated admixture and pedigree reconstruction is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NARASIMHAN, VAGHEESH M — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: NARASIMHAN, VAGHEESH M
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.