NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how adults with childhood genetic diseases plan for their futures

Official title: Adults with childhood-onset genetic disease: planning for the future amid therapeutic innovation

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11054943 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how adults who were diagnosed with genetic diseases as kids are managing their lives and health now that treatments are improving, and it aims to understand their experiences and needs as they grow older.

More Genetic Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startMarch 7, 2025
Project endFebruary 28, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$174,302
NIH project number1K01HG013339-01A1
Project IDNIH-11054943 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults who were diagnosed with genetic conditions during childhood and are now navigating adulthood.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a childhood-onset genetic disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the experiences of adults who were diagnosed with genetic diseases in childhood and how they navigate their futures amid advancements in treatment. It focuses on understanding the psychosocial impacts of living longer than previously expected and how these individuals conceptualize their health and life planning. By employing a disability studies framework, the research aims to gather insights into the evolving prognoses of these patients and their needs as they age. The goal is to ensure that the unique challenges faced by this population are recognized and addressed in the context of genomic medicine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and resources for adults with childhood-onset genetic diseases, helping them better plan for their futures.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on childhood genetic conditions, this specific focus on adult experiences and planning is relatively novel and under-explored.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mueller, Rebecca — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Mueller, Rebecca

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Evidence-based diagnostic criteria for pediatric genetic diseases

    A clinician-scientist is testing clearer, data-driven criteria to diagnose rare genetic diseases in children, starting with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, to help families get faster, more accurate genetic testing.

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  • Mapping protein changes that cause cystic fibrosis

    This project uses a new computer method to map how genetic changes in the CFTR protein affect its folding and trafficking, with the goal of guiding treatments for people with cystic fibrosis.

    NIH research Scripps Research Institute, the · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11318888

  • National primate embryo resource for human genetic disease models

    They are building a national collection of primate embryos that carry human-like genetic mutations to help speed development of new treatments for inherited diseases.

    NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11253307

  • Creating better animal models for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

    This work aims to develop improved animal models to help us understand and find new treatments for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11146477

  • Improving diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in children

    This study is working to improve how doctors diagnose over 7,000 rare genetic diseases in children by creating better guidelines that combine medical history, physical exams, and lab results, so kids can get the right treatment more easily.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11094052

  • Investigating how RNA structure changes contribute to genetic diseases

    This study is looking at how the shape of RNA affects how genes work after they are copied, which could help us understand more about certain diseases and genetic disorders.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11088257

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.