Mitochondrial DNA's role in COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes
Defining the Contribution of Mitochondrial DNA to Viral Infectious Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, and their Interactions
This project looks at whether inherited differences in mitochondrial DNA change how COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes affect Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264810 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You are invited to join a project using genetic and health records from the Million Veteran Program to link mitochondrial DNA variants with diabetes and viral infections like COVID-19. Researchers will analyze both common and rare mtDNA changes in hundreds of thousands of Veterans and use whole genome data for a large subset to find genetic patterns. They will connect those genetic signals to medical outcomes, immune responses (including interferon pathways), and how diabetes and viral illness interact. The team combines genetics, clinical data, and known mitochondrial biology to point to risk markers or biological pathways that could guide future care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. Veterans enrolled in the Million Veteran Program or receiving VA care who have type 2 diabetes and/or a history of COVID-19 with available genetic and medical records.
Not a fit: People who are not Veterans, are not enrolled in the Million Veteran Program, or lack linked genetic or medical record data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify genetic markers that predict higher risk of severe viral illness or worsening diabetes and suggest new targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research has linked mitochondrial function and mtDNA variants to diabetes and immune responses, but applying large-scale mtDNA analysis to COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes together in this many Veterans is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hulgan, Todd M — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Hulgan, Todd M
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.