Population genetics methods to understand how complex traits evolve
Official title: Population Genetics Methods for Understanding Complex Trait Evolution
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11394818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports work to better understand how our genes shape complex traits by studying human and other genomes with advanced population genetics tools.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $370,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM146926-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with complex diseases or trait histories who could benefit from improved genetic interpretation and risk assessment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without actionable genetic information or those not represented in the studied populations may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses large genomic and phenotypic datasets to explore how recent population history affects where deleterious variants and other genetic signals appear across the genome. It develops and applies new statistical methods and software to uncover patterns of natural selection and genetic variation related to complex traits. The research aims to translate findings from population history and genome data into clearer insights about human biology and disease risk. The work involves analyzing real genomic data from human and non-human sources to improve precision in interpreting complex traits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve our understanding of genetic contributions to diseases and traits, aiding future research and personalized medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Prior methods for detecting selection and analyzing population history have been successfully developed and widely cited; this builds on that foundation with novel approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szpiech, Zachary Alfano — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Szpiech, Zachary Alfano
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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.