How new genetic changes affect health and disease

Population genomics of the selective effects of new mutations

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11088866

This research helps us understand how tiny changes in our genes can affect our health and how diseases develop over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088866 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how harmful changes in our DNA, called mutations, influence the development of complex health conditions and how species evolve. Our genes contain many such changes, and we want to learn how they impact our well-being. We are developing new tools to study these genetic differences across various species, helping us understand how these mutations are passed down and their effects. This work has already shown that many harmful mutations are hidden or "recessive," and that their impact can vary greatly between different groups of people. Ultimately, this knowledge could help explain why some genetic risk predictions don't work well across all populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals with specific genetic conditions or those interested in genetic research.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for a specific condition would not directly benefit from this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding how harmful genetic changes influence health could lead to better ways to predict disease risk and develop new treatments in the future.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds on previous work in population genetics and genomics, developing new tools and insights into how genetic mutations affect populations.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.