Understanding how genes shape the appearance of normal and cancerous tissues
Apply novel pathogenomic approaches to identify interpretable image QTLs for multiple normal tissues
This project aims to discover how our genes influence the way our body's tissues look, both when they are healthy and when they are affected by cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139401 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are using advanced computer methods, like machine learning and computer vision, to carefully examine images of normal human tissues. By comparing these detailed tissue images with genetic information, we hope to find specific genetic variations that are linked to particular features in the tissue's appearance. This work will first focus on healthy tissues and then extend to understanding how these genetic links might play a role in cancer, potentially revealing new insights into disease development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project analyzes existing de-identified human tissue and genetic data, so there is no direct patient participation or recruitment for this specific grant.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct, immediate medical benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on understanding basic disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how genetic changes contribute to the visual characteristics of diseases like cancer, potentially guiding future diagnostic tools or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the computational and genetic methods used are well-established, this specific approach to identify image quantitative trait loci (imQTLs) has not been applied in this way before, making it a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jie — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jie
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.