How genes and life experiences shape health traits
Functional Characterization of the Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Complex Traits
This project looks at how genetic differences and everyday life experiences change how cells respond to stress and contribute to differences in traits and disease risk for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers would collect information about my life experiences and take biological samples (like blood) to look at gene activity in individual cells. They use single-cell genomic tests to see how transcription factors and gene activity change when cells face different stressors. The team compares people with different psychosocial backgrounds to find patterns of gene-by-environment effects that might explain why some people are more at risk for certain conditions. Results come from lab measurements and detailed personal information rather than testing a new treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who can provide biological samples and share information about their psychosocial experiences would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children under 21 and people seeking immediate changes to their medical care are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal biological pathways linking life experiences to disease risk, guiding future tests or personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and gene-environment studies have previously shown environment-driven changes in gene regulation, but applying these methods to psychosocial experiences is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luca, Francesca — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Luca, Francesca
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.