SUMMARY:
DNA Difference between people may be able to predict if they will develop diseases or respond to medications. However, there is a lack of studies to find these important predictors in people of African Ancestry. We have collected a large cohort of patients with heart problems in which we have collect DNA, how well they respond to medications for their heart problems, and what heart conditions they currently suffer from. We are using this data to find if the predictors in African Ancestry patients are different from what we already know in European patients. This could lead to new diagnostic tests that can be used by doctor to diagnoses and treat patient of African descent.
AIMS:
1) Better understand how genomics and clinical factors influence drug response in African Ancestry patients
2) Better understand how genomics and clinical factors predict risk of disease in African Ancestry patients
DURATION:
We are initially applying for a project duration of 36 months, with a option to extending if studies are ongoing.
PUBLIC HEATH IMPACT:
The studies proposed will generate knowledge in the field of pharmacogenomics (the study of how genetics affect response to drugs) and disease genomics (determining if genetics increases the risk on developing a disease), with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for African ancestry patients.