Investigating how chemicals in everyday products affect heart health through genetics
Functional genomics of GxE in cardiovascular disease: BPA, phthalates and their interactions with gene regulation
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in everyday products, like BPA and phthalates, might affect heart health, especially in African Americans who are more likely to have heart problems, by exploring how these chemicals interact with their genes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of environmental chemicals, specifically Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, on cardiovascular disease by examining their interactions with genetic factors. The study focuses on vascular cells from African American donors, who are at a higher risk for cardiovascular issues. Using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility assays, researchers aim to identify genetic variants that may influence how these chemicals affect heart health. The goal is to uncover new gene-environment interactions that could lead to better understanding and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease due to genetic and environmental factors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease or who are not exposed to BPA and phthalates may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene-environment interactions in cardiovascular health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luca, Francesca — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Luca, Francesca
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.