How genes shape red blood cells
Next generation functional genomics of hematology traits
This project looks at genetic differences across diverse people to find why red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels vary.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11359633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone with a blood condition, I would know the team is using DNA and blood-count data from nearly a million people across diverse ancestries to find genetic differences linked to hemoglobin and other red blood cell measures. They use whole-genome and exome sequencing and look for rare, ancestry-specific, structural, X chromosome, and mitochondrial variants that older studies missed. New genetic findings will be checked in independent datasets and followed by lab experiments to learn how those changes affect red blood cells. This work aims to clarify inherited causes of anemia and related non-cancerous blood disorders and point toward better diagnosis or targeted treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had blood counts measured or who are willing to share genetic data and health records, especially individuals from African, Asian, or other underrepresented ancestries.
Not a fit: Patients with active blood cancers (like leukemia) or those unwilling to share genetic or health information are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic causes of anemia and non-malignant blood disorders that help improve diagnosis and guide future personalized treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genome-wide studies have identified many genes linked to red blood cell traits and some lab follow-ups have clarified mechanisms, but this large, diverse whole-genome effort is more comprehensive and targets rarer or ancestry-specific changes that are less well understood.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reiner, Alexander P — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Reiner, Alexander P
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.