How ancestry and population differences affect genetic test results for diverse and mixed-ancestry people
The influence of genetic ancestry and population-specific epidemiology on the transferability of genomic findings to diverse and admixed populations
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11190841
This project aims to make genetic findings and risk scores work better for people from diverse or mixed-ancestry backgrounds by studying existing genetic data.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11190841 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Younger researchers will analyze existing individual-level genetic data and published summary results from many ancestry groups to see where genetic findings fail to apply. They will measure bias from admixture at both global and local ancestry levels and look at how ancestry and environmental factors change estimated genetic effects. The work examines both single genetic variants and genome-wide polygenic risk scores to understand transferability across populations. No new clinical visits are required because most contributions come from already-collected data or partner studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People from diverse racial, ethnic, or admixed backgrounds who have genetic data available or who are part of partner genetic studies are the most relevant candidates for the project's findings and related data contributions.
Not a fit: Individuals without available genetic data or whose health concerns are unrelated to ancestry-driven differences in genetic findings are unlikely to see direct benefit from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make genetic tests and risk scores more accurate and fair for people from diverse and admixed ancestries.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show that many genetic findings and polygenic risk scores work less well outside European ancestry and that some methods partly improve transferability, but comprehensive solutions for admixed populations remain limited.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOJCIK, GENEVIEVE LIANNE — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WOJCIK, GENEVIEVE LIANNE
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.