How genes and everyday context shape disease risk
Understanding and using gene-by-context interactions in human complex trait genetics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143627
This project explores how a person's genes and their environment together change risk for common diseases and aims to make genetic risk scores work better for different groups of people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CLEMSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEMSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143627 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze large-scale human genetic data and health records to see how genetic effects change depending on context such as environment, ancestry, or other factors. They will refine polygenic risk scores by adding models for gene-by-context interactions and test whether predictions hold up across diverse populations. The work is primarily computational and statistical, using results from genome-wide association studies and large cohorts rather than testing new treatments. Teams may combine data from multiple studies and use diverse genetic samples to improve prediction accuracy and fairness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people willing to share genetic data and basic health information, especially individuals from diverse ancestries or living in different environments.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate changes in medical treatment or those with rare single-gene disorders are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make genetic risk predictions more accurate and equitable, helping guide prevention and personalized care in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Previous use of polygenic risk scores has shown useful prediction for some traits but often performs poorly across different populations, so this work builds on promising but still limited prior results.
Where this research is happening
CLEMSON, UNITED STATES
- CLEMSON UNIVERSITY — CLEMSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORGANTE, FABIO — CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MORGANTE, FABIO
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.