How DNA 'switches' control traits and metabolic health
Multi-scale functional dissection and modeling of regulatory variation associated with human traits
This project aims to pinpoint DNA changes in gene 'switches' that influence metabolism and people’s risk for metabolic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303263 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or someone in your family has a metabolic condition, this project looks at DNA 'switches' that control gene activity to learn how genetic changes affect health. Researchers will use results from large human genetic studies to choose likely causal DNA spots and then apply precise CRISPR methods in cells to find which genes those spots control. They will build a large catalog of regulatory changes and use computer models to understand the 'grammar' of how these switches work. This is lab-based research rather than a treatment trial, but it could point to new diagnostic markers or drug targets over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metabolic conditions or those who have contributed genetic data to research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate therapy or those with conditions unrelated to metabolic traits are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how noncoding DNA changes cause metabolic disease and help identify new diagnostic tests or drug targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic studies and targeted CRISPR mapping have identified some regulatory variants, but this large-scale, multi-pronged mapping and modeling approach is relatively new and seeks to expand on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reilly, Steven K. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Reilly, Steven K.
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.