Understanding how lifestyle and environment affect diabetes risk in Hispanic/Latino communities
Sociocultural factors, DNA methylation and Risk of Diabetes in Hispanics/Latinos
This project explores how social and environmental factors, along with changes in our DNA, contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321343 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how social and environmental factors, such as culture and lifestyle, might change our DNA and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino communities. Researchers believe these 'socioenvironmental factors' influence how our genes work, specifically through something called DNA methylation. By studying a large group of Hispanic/Latino individuals, this project aims to uncover the specific biological pathways that link these everyday experiences to the development of diabetes. The goal is to understand these connections better, which could help in preventing or managing diabetes in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on understanding type 2 diabetes risk in Hispanic/Latino individuals, particularly those affected by various socioenvironmental factors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not of Hispanic/Latino descent or those whose diabetes risk is primarily driven by genetic factors unrelated to socioenvironmental influences may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes by understanding how social and environmental factors influence our biology.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between socioenvironmental factors and health is recognized, this project aims to specifically identify the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and biological pathways involved in a nationally representative sample of Hispanics/Latinos, building on prior work but exploring novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Jinying — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Jinying
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.