Using short DNA and protein 'words' (kmers) to map genomes and evolution
Official title: Harnessing the Power of Kmers: Concepts and Methods for Genomic and Proteomic Research
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11455378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for tiny DNA and protein snippets called kmers to find species‑specific genetic patterns that may help explain human traits and disease risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $351,539 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM155468-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have existing genomic data in biobanks or are willing to share DNA for follow-up studies would be the most relevant participants for related research activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic data or whose conditions are unrelated to inherited genomic variation are unlikely to see direct benefit from this computational project.
What this research studies
Researchers will use new computer algorithms to scan billions of DNA and protein sequences and find 'quasi-prime' kmers that appear in only one species. They will map these kmers to human genes, with early findings showing enrichments in brain-expressed genes linked to cognition. The team will compare kmer patterns across diverse human populations, ancient hominins, and other mammals to learn how these sequences evolved and what they might do. Large-scale, cross-species analyses and computational functional predictions will guide follow-up laboratory and population studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new genetic markers and biological mechanisms that help explain human traits and point to targets for future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Kmer-based methods are already widely used for genome assembly and variant detection, but applying 'quasi-prime' kmers to link species-specific sequences to human traits is a newer and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Georgakopoulos-Soares, Ilias — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Georgakopoulos-Soares, Ilias
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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.