OCD genetics in Latin American communities
Genomics of OCD in Latin American Communities
We will look for genetic differences that help explain why people in Latin American communities develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11394007 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will collect DNA and related samples from people of Latin American ancestry who have OCD and from comparison volunteers to search for both common and rare genetic changes linked to the condition. They will use large-scale methods such as genome-wide scans and sequencing plus additional molecular data to identify risk genes and variants. Focusing on Latin American communities aims to find signals that were missed in European-only studies and to improve how genetic findings apply to diverse patients. Samples will be analyzed at Rutgers and partner sites using methods that have advanced genetic discovery in other psychiatric disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People of Latin American ancestry diagnosed with OCD (and in some cases their family members or non‑OCD comparison volunteers) would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without OCD or those whose ancestry is not represented in the study may not receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify biological causes of OCD and point to better diagnosis or treatment options that are relevant for people from Latin American backgrounds.
How similar studies have performed: Large-scale genomic approaches have identified risk genes for schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism, but applying these methods to OCD—especially in Latin American populations—is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cappi, Carolina — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cappi, Carolina
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.