Investigating how genetics and environment interact in human cells
Official title: Experimental Cellular Approaches to Genotype × Environment Interaction
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-10923794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your genes and the environment work together by creating special cells from your blood, so we can see how they react to different challenges, helping us understand more about diseases and what might put you at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,611,736 |
| NIH project number | 5RM1GM149403-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a genetic predisposition to diseases influenced by environmental factors, particularly those who can provide blood samples for iPSC derivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have genetic conditions or environmental exposures relevant to the study may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between genetic factors and environmental influences using advanced induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. By deriving iPSC lines from blood cells, researchers can create specific cell types that reflect individual genetic backgrounds. The study aims to examine how these cells respond to controlled environmental challenges, providing insights into disease causation and risk factors. This innovative approach allows for a deeper understanding of cellular behaviors that traditional methods may overlook.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how environmental factors contribute to diseases, potentially guiding personalized treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects, although similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of cellular research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran, Joanne E. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Curran, Joanne E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular tests of how genes and environment shape disease risk
A study using patient-derived stem cells to see how genetics and environmental exposures interact to affect disease-related cellular traits.
-
How specific RNA molecules influence estrogen-driven cell growth
This project looks at whether certain RNA molecules change how estrogen fuels growth in estrogen-receptor-positive cells, which is relevant to people with ER-positive breast cancer.
-
How a Mild Brain Injury Might Raise Heart Disease Risk Later
A study in people with a mild brain injury (like a concussion) explores how inflammation after injury could lead to heart disease years down the line.
-
Genomic clues to how pollutants raise depression risk in Mexican American families
This project looks at how environmental pollutants may contribute to major depressive disorder in multi-generational Mexican American families, using genomic and pollutant measurements to find risky factors.
-
Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
-
Community Engagement Core for Genomics in South Texas
A community-focused program in South Texas will build trusted relationships, improve understanding of genomics, and encourage participation in genomic research to benefit local health.
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.