Mapping how genes control complex traits by watching cell responses
Perturbation-response approaches to determining the regulatory networks underlying human complex traits
This project combines large-scale human genetics and lab gene‑tweaking data to map the gene control networks behind common inherited conditions so future treatments can target the right parts of those networks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work brings together big human genetics datasets (like GWAS and eQTL maps) with lab experiments that perturb genes using CRISPR to see how cells respond. The team will build improved computer methods to infer which genes regulate others, including genes that are hard to measure. They will compare the computer-built networks with real perturbation results to check and refine the maps. Over time these maps aim to point to the key genes or pathways that could be targeted for new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with common inherited conditions or individuals willing to donate genetic data, blood, or tissue samples would be the sort of participants who could contribute to or benefit from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not driven by genetic regulatory changes or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal specific gene networks that drive common diseases and guide development of more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using GWAS, eQTL data, and CRISPR screens have found disease-linked genes, but integrating them with advanced causal network methods is a newer approach with promising early results.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Brielin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Brown, Brielin
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.