Genomic Variant Interactions With Other Variants Or The Environment (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to study the effects of genetic or environmental interactions on genomic variant impact. To accomplish this, centers funded through this initiative will propose a research framework to investigate whether interactions, with effects beyond additive, are important modifiers of the impact of variants. Centers will apply their framework to experimentally test combinations for interactions. The rationale for this research is the identification of a structure within the interaction landscape might result in better predictions of the most important interactions to test, leading to more effective variant testing, better understanding of Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS), and improved polygenic scores. As IGVF Consortium members, centers will work together to ensure all consortium resources are accessible to a wide variety of potential users. Centers are also expected to collaborate with other consortium components to coordinate assays, variants, and cell types, and to develop shared analysis strategies to meet consortium goals.

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. The NOFO is expected to be published in 2025 with an expected application due date in 2025. This NOFO will utilize the UM1 activity code.