Mapping how genes affect tissues as children grow into adults
Integrative Analysis Methods for the dGTEx Initiative
Researchers are making computer tools to find how genetic differences change gene activity in different tissues from childhood through adulthood so future studies can target age-specific causes of disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will create methods to compare gene activity across many tissues and age groups, using data from children, adults, and related primate studies. The team will apply advanced machine learning to find shared and unique patterns of genetic effects in different cell types and developmental stages. They will also use statistical genetics approaches (Mendelian randomization) to help link gene activity to disease risk at different ages. The tools and results will be shared so other scientists can use them to study age-related causes of illness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people across the lifespan—from children to adults—who can provide tissue, blood, or genetic samples for research use.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to genetic or developmental biology or those unable/unwilling to provide biological samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers identify genes that cause disease at particular ages and speed development of age-tailored diagnostics or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: The adult GTEx project has successfully linked many genes to tissue-specific activity, but applying these methods across ages and species is a newer and less-tested effort.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Lin — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chen, Lin
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.