Making genetic risk scores work better for people of all ancestries
BridgePRS: bridging the gap in polygenic risk scores between ancestries.
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11174596
Improving how genetic risk scores predict disease so people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds get fairer, more accurate results.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174596 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will build better statistical models to make polygenic risk scores (PRS) more accurate across the multi-ancestry U.S. population. Researchers will use Bayesian hierarchical methods to separate genetic risk into parts shared across groups, ancestry-specific components, and gene-by-environment effects. They will also create pathway-based PRSs to help explain why scores perform differently across groups and to reveal biological reasons for disease differences. The work relies on existing genetic and health data from diverse populations and will produce a suite of PRS tools tailored for multi-ancestry use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who have (or are willing to provide) genetic (DNA) and linked health information for research would be ideal contributors.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are driven entirely by non-genetic factors or who lack genetic data may not see direct benefit from improved PRSs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make genetic risk predictions more accurate and equitable for people of different ancestries, supporting better prevention and personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous PRS methods improved prediction in some groups but often perform worse outside European ancestry, so this project applies novel high-resolution Bayesian modeling to try to bridge that gap.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'REILLY, PAUL FRANCIS — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: O'REILLY, PAUL FRANCIS
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.