Understanding genetic diversity and disease in African populations
Official title: Administrative Supplement: Improving Inference of Genetic Architecture and Selection with African Genomes
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10891050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes affect health in different African communities by collecting DNA samples to find out what makes these populations unique, helping us better understand diseases and traits that may not be well studied in other groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $111,608 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM133531-05S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals from diverse African communities, particularly those with a rich genetic heritage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of African populations or those with no genetic ties to the studied cohorts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on exploring the genetic architecture of diseases and traits in diverse African populations. By collecting DNA samples and utilizing advanced mapping methods, the project aims to identify genetic variants that contribute to various health conditions. The research emphasizes the unique genetic characteristics of African communities, which can differ significantly from those studied in European populations. Through this work, the researchers hope to enhance our understanding of how genetics influences health in these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved genetic insights that enhance disease prevention and treatment strategies for African populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding genetic diversity in other populations, but this approach is particularly novel for African cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henn, Brenna M — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Henn, Brenna M
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.