Understanding genetic changes in healthy human tissues over time
Official title: New York Genome Characterization Center: Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues
Funded at New York Genome Center · NIH-10834251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how small changes in our DNA, called somatic mutations, happen in healthy tissues over time, and it needs volunteers to share tissue samples to help us learn more about how these changes might affect our health as we age or develop diseases like heart and brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Genome Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,500,000 |
| NIH project number | 5UM1DA058236-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who are willing to provide tissue samples for genetic analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing severe genetic disorders or those who are unable to provide tissue samples may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations, known as somatic mutations, occur in healthy tissues throughout a person's life. By analyzing DNA from diverse individuals, the project aims to create a comprehensive catalog of these mutations and their potential impact on health and diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. The approach involves large-scale DNA sequencing and collaboration among various research networks to ensure high-quality data collection and sharing. Patients may contribute by providing tissue samples, which will help researchers understand the role of these mutations in aging and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of age-related diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that studying somatic mutations can provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Genome Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Germer, Soren — New York Genome Center
- Study coordinator: Germer, Soren
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New York Genome Center’s project on somatic mosaicism across human tissues
A nationwide effort to build a high-quality catalog of somatic genetic changes found in healthy tissues from people of diverse backgrounds, with the goal of better understanding aging and disease.
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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.