Understanding Genetic Differences and Disease Risk
The population genetics of disease risk and other quantitative traits
This project helps us understand how genetic differences contribute to common diseases and other human traits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061389 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) show that many genes play a role in our traits and disease risk. However, we don't fully understand how these genetic differences truly impact the biology of a trait or disease. This project aims to bridge that gap by exploring how important genes stand out in GWAS data. We also want to learn how traits change over time due to many small genetic shifts, which could help us find these changes in our DNA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational genetics project does not directly involve patient participation, but its findings could eventually inform care for anyone with a genetic predisposition to complex diseases.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options would not benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve our ability to identify the specific genes most important for disease development, leading to better ways to predict risk and develop new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous modeling work by the researchers, suggesting a foundation of prior success in this area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sella, Guy — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Sella, Guy
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.