Understanding how genes work together in complex health conditions
Novel statistical genetics methods to unravel polygenic interactions in complex traits
This project is creating new ways to understand how many genes interact to cause complex health conditions like asthma, aiming for better predictions and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many health conditions, like asthma, are complex and involve many genes and environmental factors. Current ways of looking at genes often assume they act independently, which doesn't fully explain how these conditions develop. We believe that understanding how genes interact with each other is a missing piece in solving these puzzles. This project will develop new computer models to uncover these hidden genetic interactions, building on a recent framework called "Coordinated" epistasis. By doing so, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the biology behind complex traits and how they affect multiple conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with complex genetic conditions, such as asthma, whose genetic data could contribute to or benefit from improved understanding of gene interactions, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not directly benefit from this foundational methods development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate predictions of disease risk and open doors to new, more effective treatments for complex conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to understand genetic interactions have faced challenges due to limitations in existing models, making this new approach particularly innovative.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, Andrew — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Dahl, Andrew
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.