How genetic differences influence aging and diabetes risk
Official title: Combining experimental evolution and molecular phenotyping to understand variation in organismal phenotypes
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11332977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using controlled evolution in models to understand why some people are more prone to age-related diseases like adult-onset diabetes and why aging varies among individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $360,871 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155286-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for adult-onset diabetes or age-related health concerns who are interested in how genetics and aging influence disease risk.
✕Less likely to help
People without personal or family history of diabetes or age-related disorders may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses experimental evolution and molecular phenotyping to uncover how genetic and biological factors shape aging and disease risk in populations. By studying changes over generations in controlled environments, researchers aim to link genetic variation to phenotypic differences that influence diabetes susceptibility and overall health as people age. The work seeks actionable insights that could inform personalized approaches to prevention and treatment in humans. The findings could reveal functional genes and pathways that affect how disease risk accumulates and how aging processes unfold.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to new ideas for personalized strategies to prevent or manage adult-onset diabetes and age-related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in evolutionary biology has linked genetic variation to complex traits, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights for human health.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Mark a — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Mark a
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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.