How genes and evolution shape traits and disease risk
Polygenic prediction and evolution of complex traits
Researchers are using ancient and modern human DNA to learn how genetic changes over time influence traits and disease risk for people from different ancestries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248849 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work combines DNA from ancient skeletons with genetic data from living people to see which gene changes were driven by natural selection versus random chance. The team focuses first on Britain as a clear example because of available ancient and present-day samples and well-understood population history. They model how selection over the past 5–10 thousand years changed the frequency of variants linked to complex traits and use that to improve how genetic risk is understood across ancestries. The goal is to separate ancestry-related environmental effects from true genetic causes so predictions of disease risk become more accurate for diverse groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People interested in contributing genetic data—especially those of British or other European ancestry as well as participants from diverse ancestries—could be relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate new treatments or clinical care changes are unlikely to get direct benefits from this basic genetic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make genetic risk predictions more accurate and fair for people from different ancestral backgrounds.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ancient DNA studies have successfully revealed past natural selection, but applying those findings to improve polygenic risk prediction across ancestries is a relatively new and evolving effort.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathieson, Iain Neil — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mathieson, Iain Neil
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.