How DNA mutations and genetic recombination happen across people and other animals
Mechanisms of mutation and recombination and their evolution in vertebrates
This project looks at why DNA changes and the way chromosomes shuffle during reproduction differ between species and between people, using genetic data from humans and other animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11371155 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers compare genomes from people and a wide range of vertebrate species and use mathematical models and statistical analysis to pinpoint where mutations arise and how recombination events are directed in the genome. They pay special attention to differences in germline mutation rates between sexes and to how different species control meiotic double-strand breaks. Most work is computational and genomic, using DNA samples and public genome datasets rather than testing new treatments. Results aim to explain why these basic genetic processes vary across individuals and species.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who can provide or share DNA/genome data or who are enrolled in genetic or population studies could contribute to this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic, non-therapeutic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of causes of inherited disorders and some cancers and lead to better genetic risk estimates.
How similar studies have performed: Related genomic and modeling studies have clarified many aspects of mutation and recombination, but cross-species evolutionary patterns remain only partly understood and are an active research area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Przeworski, Molly F — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Przeworski, Molly F
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.