Using AI to map how diseases change metabolism
Advancing computational modeling of disease metabolism by integrating AI and systems biology
This project uses AI and systems-biology models to map metabolic changes in conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, and neurodegeneration for people affected by them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196187 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient’s point of view, researchers will build advanced computer models that combine AI with biological network knowledge to understand how cells change their metabolism in different diseases. They will work with laboratory measurements and existing tissue, blood, and molecular datasets to capture differences between cell types and local tissue environments. The goal is to reveal metabolic fingerprints, potential drug targets, and clues for personalized dietary or treatment strategies. This work is mainly computational and based on analysis of samples and data rather than testing new treatments on patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metabolic-related conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, inflammatory, or neurodegenerative diseases, or those willing to contribute tissue or blood samples or clinical data for research, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients looking for an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this is a computational, preclinical project rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new metabolic biomarkers, guide personalized treatments, and suggest dietary or lifestyle approaches to improve care.
How similar studies have performed: Prior AI and systems-biology efforts have shown promise in identifying metabolic patterns and targets, but translating these models into routine diagnostics or therapies is still experimental.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Sha — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Sha
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.