How genes and ancestry shape complex traits
Dissecting the genetics and evolution of complex traits using whole-genome genealogies
This project uses large genetic databases and whole‑genome family trees to find which genetic changes influence complex traits and diseases in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop faster computer methods to analyze hundreds of thousands of human genomes linked to health and trait records. They will infer whole‑genome genealogies (like DNA family trees) and study how those ancestral relationships relate to traits. The lab's new algorithms run much faster than current tools, making analysis of biobank‑scale whole‑genome data practical. The aim is to pinpoint causal genetic changes more accurately and make genetic analyses more scalable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who have donated genetic data and health records to large biobanks or who are willing to join such biobank efforts.
Not a fit: People without genomic data in a biobank or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to see direct benefits from this computational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify genetic causes of diseases and improve genetic risk predictions for many people.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional genome‑wide studies and heritability methods have uncovered many genetic links, but using whole‑genome genealogy (ARG) approaches is newer and still under active development.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Xinzhu — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Wei, Xinzhu
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.