Using genetic tools to understand heart disease risk in diverse populations
Official title: Evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores as a Valid Instrument to Conduct Mendelian Randomization in Diverse Ancestry Populations
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10820258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetic factors affect heart disease in people from different backgrounds, aiming to make genetic testing more accurate for everyone, especially those who haven't been studied as much before.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HG013440-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds who are at risk for coronary artery disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how polygenic risk scores (PRS) can be used to understand the genetic factors contributing to coronary artery disease (CAD) in people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. It aims to improve the accuracy of these genetic tools by examining their effectiveness across different populations, particularly those that have been historically underrepresented in genetic research. The study will analyze the relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels and CAD, while considering both genetic and environmental factors that may influence this relationship. By doing so, the research seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of heart disease risk in diverse groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate risk assessments and personalized prevention strategies for heart disease in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic tools for understanding disease risk, but this approach specifically addressing diverse ancestry populations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Jayati — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Jayati
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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.