Using genetic clues to find real causes of Alzheimer's and cardiometabolic disease
Mendelian randomization for modern data: Integrating data resources to improve accuracy of causal estimates.
This project improves tools that use people’s genetic data to tell whether things like inflammation really lead to Alzheimer's or heart and metabolism problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building better statistical methods that work with large genetic studies to separate true causes from misleading genetic links. They will tackle biases that happen when genes affect many traits and expand methods to consider many possible risk factors at once. The team will create easy-to-use open-source software so scientists and clinicians can apply these tools to Alzheimer’s and cardiometabolic datasets. The work uses existing human genetic data rather than enrolling new patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who participate in genetic research or biobanks—particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or related cardiometabolic conditions—are the most relevant candidates to contribute data or benefit from results.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment or individuals from underrepresented ancestries not included in genetic datasets are unlikely to see direct benefits from this methods-focused work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to real, preventable causes of Alzheimer’s and cardiometabolic disease and guide better prevention and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Mendelian randomization has already helped identify likely causal risk factors in some diseases, but the proposed methods to handle widespread genetic biases are novel and need real-data testing.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Jean V. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Jean V.
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.