Using genetic data to better understand disease risk factors.
Official title: Mendelian randomization for modern data: Integrating data resources to improve accuracy of causal estimates.
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10906933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to understand how certain genetic factors might influence diseases like Alzheimer's and heart-related issues, and it aims to create easy-to-use tools for researchers to get clearer answers without needing complicated trials.
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 start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $357,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG013104-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of diseases such as Alzheimer's or cardiometabolic disorders, as well as those interested in genetic factors influencing their health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a method called Mendelian randomization (MR) that helps estimate the causal effects of risk factors on diseases using genetic data from large studies. By analyzing summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the researchers aim to improve the accuracy of these estimates without needing randomized trials. The project will develop new statistical methods and user-friendly software to help researchers navigate the complexities of MR, particularly addressing biases that can arise from confounding variables. This approach could lead to more reliable insights into the risk factors for diseases like Alzheimer's and cardiometabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide clearer insights into the causal relationships between genetic factors and diseases, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using Mendelian randomization has shown promise in identifying causal relationships in various diseases, indicating that this approach is both tested and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
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.
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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.