Investigating the evolution of the coronavirus using large genomic datasets
Official title: Large-scale phylodynamics under non-neutral and non-treelike models of evolution
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11092793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the coronavirus changes over time by analyzing a huge amount of genetic data, which could help us better understand the virus and improve treatments and prevention for COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,226 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151145-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or have no risk factors for infection may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new statistical and computational methods to analyze vast genomic datasets from the coronavirus pandemic. By utilizing BioBank data containing millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, the project aims to create innovative approaches for understanding how different strains of the virus evolve and interact. The research will explore how natural selection influences the pandemic's progression, providing insights that could enhance our response to COVID-19. Patients may benefit from improved understanding of virus evolution, which can inform treatment and prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for managing and treating COVID-19 by enhancing our understanding of viral evolution.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized large genomic datasets to study viral evolution, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terhorst, Jonathan G — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Terhorst, Jonathan G
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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.