Tracking DNA changes in blood over many years
Analysis of Somatic Mutations in Longitudinal Whole-genome Sequencing Data
This project will track how DNA in blood changes over about 15 years to learn how those changes relate to cancer and aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190834 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use blood samples taken about 15 years apart from roughly 450 people in the Utah CEPH families and sequence their whole genomes at very high depth to find DNA changes that arose over time. They will compare how often these somatic mutations happen in different people and how those rates relate to health records and outcomes like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The team will compare somatic and inherited (germline) mutation patterns and create improved computer filters to reliably identify true somatic changes across the genome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of cancer, older adults, and anyone interested in blood-based genetic changes would be most relevant to findings from this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or those without available genetic or blood data are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal DNA changes that signal higher cancer or age-related disease risk and guide earlier monitoring or prevention efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller single-cell or low-coverage studies have linked somatic mutations to aging and cancer, but this high-coverage, long-term whole-genome approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steely, Cody — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Steely, Cody
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.