Understanding genetic risks for heart and metabolic diseases in diverse populations
Official title: Leveraging pleiotropy to develop polygenic risk scores for cardiometabolic diseases
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10924035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, especially in people from different backgrounds, to help create better ways to predict and prevent these conditions for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HL172139-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of African ancestry who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with cardiometabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of non-African ancestry may not benefit directly from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, particularly in populations with non-European ancestry. By analyzing genetic data from the All of Us research program, the study aims to identify genetic variants that influence multiple health conditions simultaneously, a phenomenon known as pleiotropy. The goal is to develop more accurate polygenic risk scores that can predict disease risk in diverse populations, ultimately leading to better-targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and personalized prevention strategies for cardiometabolic diseases in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic insights to improve disease risk prediction, making this approach both innovative and grounded in emerging scientific evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adebamowo, Sally Nneoma — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Adebamowo, Sally Nneoma
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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.