Improving diagnosis of rare diseases using a standardized terminology for phenotypic abnormalities

The Human Phenotype Ontology: Accelerating Computational Integration of Clinical Data for Genomics

NIH-funded research Jackson Laboratory · NIH-10896159

This study is working to make it easier for doctors to diagnose rare diseases by using a special vocabulary to describe symptoms, which will help them find the right treatment for patients based on their unique characteristics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJackson Laboratory NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bar Harbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896159 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the diagnostic process for rare diseases by utilizing the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO), which provides a standardized vocabulary for describing phenotypic abnormalities. By automating the curation of disease-phenotype annotations, the project aims to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these descriptions, thereby facilitating better differential diagnosis and clinical care. The integration of genomic data with phenotypic information will support precision medicine approaches, allowing for more tailored treatments based on individual patient characteristics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with rare diseases who may benefit from enhanced diagnostic processes and precision medicine.

Not a fit: Patients with common diseases or conditions that do not involve rare disease phenotypes may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for patients with rare diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using standardized terminologies and automated processes to improve diagnostic accuracy in various medical fields.

Where this research is happening

Bar Harbor, 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 Childhood Cancers
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.