How genes and blood markers link lifestyle to heart health
High-dimensional Mediation Analysis of Cardiovascular Traits with Multi-omics Data
Using genetic and blood-based molecular data to find how lifestyle and biological factors lead to higher heart disease and stroke risk in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179380 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses large, existing datasets that include whole-genome sequences, DNA methylation, and gene expression from thousands of people to trace molecular steps between lifestyle factors (like diet, alcohol, and BMI) and heart-related traits such as cholesterol and blood pressure. The team applies new high-dimensional mediation analyses to combine multiple types of 'omics' data at once and identify molecular signals that sit between risk factors and disease traits. No new samples or treatments are required from patients — the work analyzes data already collected through the NHLBI TOPMed program. The hope is to pinpoint biological markers that could guide future tests or targeted prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with or at risk for heart disease, stroke, or diabetes and those who have donated blood or genetic samples to large research cohorts are the most relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: Children, people without cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors, or those not represented in the TOPMed datasets are less likely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal blood or genetic markers that help predict who is most at risk and point to new prevention or treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large cohort studies have linked single types of genetic or molecular markers to heart disease, but integrating multiple omics layers with mediation analysis is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Peng — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wei, Peng
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.