UT Rio Grande Valley Genomics Center
UTRGV Center for Genome Research
A regional university center is expanding genomics work and training to better understand liver disease and major depression that affect people in the Rio Grande Valley.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, this center is building local genomics research so doctors and researchers can study conditions that affect our communities. It supports two main projects focused on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and major depressive disorder, using genetic samples, health information, and multidisciplinary team science to learn more. The center also runs workforce and education programs to train local students and technicians and has a community engagement core to improve genomic literacy and encourage study participation. Over time, the center aims to make it easier for local people to join studies, donate samples, and see research tailored to regional health priorities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in the Rio Grande Valley, especially those diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or major depressive disorder who can provide health information or samples, are the best fit.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to the center's focus, those living far outside the region, or those unwilling to share genetic or health data are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the center could lead to better understanding, earlier detection, and more targeted care for liver disease and depression in South Texas.
How similar studies have performed: Genomics research has previously identified genetic contributors to liver disease and depression, but combining that science with local workforce training and community-focused recruitment is a more recent approach.
Where this research is happening
Edinburg, United States
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Edinburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams-Blangero, Sarah a. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Williams-Blangero, Sarah a.
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.