Uncovering genes that affect men and women differently across diverse ancestries
Methods to unveil sex-specific genetic architecture in trans-ancestry meta-analysis
Researchers are creating new tools to find genetic differences between men and women from different ancestry groups that may influence adult-onset diabetes and related heart, lung, and blood conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123187 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds new statistical methods to combine genetic data from people of different ancestries and to look for differences between sexes. The team will use large, existing international genetic datasets and apply the methods to heart, lung, and blood traits related to adult-onset diabetes. They will implement the new methods into widely used genetics software so other researchers can apply them. The work focuses on analyzing existing data rather than recruiting new patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or individuals from underrepresented ancestry groups who have already shared genetic data with research consortia would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Those who have not contributed genetic data or who are seeking immediate changes in clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly from this methods-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve genetic risk predictions and reveal new biological targets that better serve people with adult-onset diabetes across diverse ancestries and both sexes.
How similar studies have performed: Large genome-wide studies have already identified many disease-related genes, but methods that specifically handle sex differences across multiple ancestries are newer and less established.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Bibo — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Bibo
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.