New ways to find changes in chromosomes that occur over time
Official title: Novel methods for detection of mosaic chromosomal alterations
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11034805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny changes in our chromosomes, which can happen as we get older, might be connected to health issues like cancer and heart disease, and it aims to find better ways to spot these changes in different parts of the body, so patients can understand how they might affect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DK142089-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with aging-related conditions, heart disease, kidney disease, or cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any of the aforementioned conditions or those who are not experiencing age-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCA), which are changes in chromosomes that can happen as we age and may be linked to diseases like cancer and heart disease. The researchers will develop advanced methods to detect these alterations in various tissues, including blood and kidneys, using single-cell sequencing techniques. By improving detection methods, the study aims to uncover how these chromosomal changes affect health and disease progression. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how mCA contribute to their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases associated with chromosomal alterations.
How similar studies have gone: While the detection of chromosomal alterations has been studied, the specific methods proposed in this research are novel and aim to address limitations of existing techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Parker C. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Parker C.
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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.