Improving rat genome assembly to better understand complex diseases
Official title: Long-read assembly and annotation of rat genomes that are important models of complex genetic disease
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11080198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make the genetic information about rats even better, which will help scientists understand diseases like brain disorders and addiction, ultimately leading to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,534 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG011252-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by neurological disorders, addiction, or other conditions that are modeled in rats.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not modeled in rats or those unrelated to the genetic investigations of this research may not receive direct benefits.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the genomic resources for rats, which are important models for studying various medical conditions, including brain disorders and addiction. By improving the quality of the rat genome assembly and gene annotation, the project aims to facilitate more accurate genetic investigations into disease susceptibility and mechanisms. This work will utilize advanced genomic techniques to create a more comprehensive reference for different rat strains, ultimately aiding in the understanding of complex genetic diseases. Patients may benefit indirectly through advancements in treatments derived from improved animal model research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for complex diseases that affect humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving genomic resources for animal models can significantly enhance the understanding of human diseases, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doris, Peter a — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Doris, Peter 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.