Tracing the genetic history of South Asian people and their microbes
Reconstructing the evolutionary history of humans and human-associated microbes in South Asia using an integrated genomics approach
This project uses ancient bones and modern DNA and gut samples to learn how South Asian peoples and their microbes changed over time and how that relates to infectious and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126594 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will sequence DNA from ancient human remains and from living volunteers to map migrations and mixing in South Asia over the last several thousand years. They will look for traces of past infections in skeletal material to see how pathogens that affected people long ago evolved. The team will also compare dietary changes with modern gut microbiome samples to understand links between diet, microbes, and health in Indian populations. Results will combine ancient and modern data to build a clearer picture of genetic history and disease patterns in the region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people of South Asian ancestry willing to provide saliva, blood, or stool samples, or communities and collections that can provide access to archaeological skeletal material through partnerships.
Not a fit: People not of South Asian ancestry or anyone seeking immediate medical treatment are unlikely to receive direct personal health benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why some infections and other diseases are more common in South Asian populations and help guide better prevention and public health strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ancient DNA and microbiome projects have successfully traced past migrations and identified ancient pathogens, but combining ancient human genomes, pathogen detection, and modern gut microbiome work specifically across South Asia is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raghavan, Maanasa — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Raghavan, Maanasa
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.