How genes and urine bacteria affect bladder and urinary tract problems
Human genetic approaches to lower urinary tract phenotypes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11380493
Researchers are using genetic testing and urine microbiome profiling to learn why some people develop conditions like vesicoureteral reflux and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11380493 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will sequence the protein-coding parts of your DNA (exome) and run genome-wide analyses to find genetic differences linked to lower urinary tract symptoms. They will also perform 16S rRNA sequencing on urine samples to create urinary microbiome profiles and compare bacterial patterns with symptoms and outcomes. The study combines data and biospecimens from several national NIDDK cohorts to link common and rare genetic variants with microbiome features. Your donated DNA and urine could help the team find biological markers that explain who gets certain urinary problems and why.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people (often children) with vesicoureteral reflux, recurrent urinary tract infections, or other chronic lower urinary tract symptoms, especially those enrolled in the RIVUR, CUTIE, or CKiD cohorts.
Not a fit: People without bladder or urinary tract symptoms or those unwilling to provide DNA or urine samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify genetic and microbiome markers that improve diagnosis, risk prediction, and personalized care for urinary tract conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous GWAS and copy-number analyses from this group have identified genes linked to vesicoureteral reflux, and combining genetic studies with microbiome profiling is an emerging approach with promising early results.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GHARAVI, ALI G — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: GHARAVI, ALI G
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.