Human genetic diversity and ancient ancestry in Oceania
Mapping the Full Spectrum of Human Genetic Variation and Archaic Hominin Introgression in Oceania
This project looks for unique genetic differences and traces of ancient Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA in people with Oceanian ancestry to help explain health and disease risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will sequence and analyze genomes from people across Oceania to find common and rare genetic variants and signatures of ancient hominin introgression. They will combine population genomics, computational biology, molecular methods, and anthropology to map how migrations, admixture, genetic drift, and natural selection shaped genomes. The team will link genetic variation to traits and disease susceptibility to improve understanding of health in Oceanian populations. Findings aim to make genetic diagnoses more accurate and medical research more inclusive for people with Oceanian ancestry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with ancestry from Oceania who can provide a saliva or blood sample and share basic health information.
Not a fit: People without Oceanian ancestry or those seeking immediate clinical treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic contributors to disease risk in Oceanian populations and support more accurate diagnoses and better-tailored treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related population-genomics efforts have successfully mapped ancestry and identified disease-linked variants in other regions, but Oceania's genetic variation remains largely underexplored.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tucci, Serena — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Tucci, Serena
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.