How age-related blood cell mutations (CHIP) may raise heart disease risk
Integrated omics analysis of clonal hematopoiesis and cardiovascular disease risk in TOPMed
This project uses DNA methylation and gene activity data from thousands of blood samples to find how age-related blood cell mutations (CHIP) might increase the chance of atherosclerotic heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135581 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or someone like you provided blood to the TOPMed program, researchers will compare DNA methylation and RNA (gene activity) patterns in people with and without CHIP mutations. They will examine the common CHIP-mutated genes separately and look for signals that come from specific immune cell types. The team will apply genetic methods called Mendelian randomization to help determine which DNA or gene-activity changes may play a causal role in raising heart disease risk. This work analyzes existing blood and genetic data rather than recruiting people for new clinical visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (age 21+) whose blood samples or genetic data are part of large research programs like TOPMed, especially older adults or people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Younger people, individuals without CHIP mutations, or anyone not represented in the TOPMed datasets are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify blood markers or genes that explain why CHIP raises heart disease risk and point to new prevention strategies or drug targets.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked CHIP to higher risk of blood cancers and heart disease and smaller omics studies have shown molecular changes, but this large integrated omics plus Mendelian randomization approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conneely, Karen — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Conneely, Karen
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.