How non-coding DNA changes affect gene regulation
Statistical methods for interpretation of genetic variants by gene regulatory networks
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11176917
This project builds methods to explain how DNA changes outside genes can alter the networks that control gene activity and link those changes to health conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176917 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I share genomic or health data, the team will analyze patterns of genetic variation across people and link those patterns to which genes are turned on or off in specific cell types. They combine population-based signals (like eQTLs) with maps of gene regulatory networks to trace how a non-coding variant might affect a regulator and then a target gene. Most of the work is computational, using large human genetic and gene-expression datasets, but it could also use donated samples or data from patients. The goal is to produce clearer, testable explanations for why certain variants are tied to disease risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a known or suspected genetic condition, or anyone willing to share their genome and health data for research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those who cannot or will not share genomic or health data are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify which genetic changes actually cause or contribute to disease and improve genetic diagnosis and the search for new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Approaches like eQTL mapping are well-established, but combining them systematically with gene regulatory network models to explain non-coding variants is a newer and still-developing strategy.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DUREN, ZHANA — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: DUREN, ZHANA
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.