# Clonal Hematopoiesis in a Biracial Population

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2022 · $164,033

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) refers to selective expansion of blood cells derived from
a single hematopoietic stem cell due to acquired somatic mutations. CHIP is associated with increased risk of
hematologic cancer, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Currently, there is limited
understanding of the factors that cause CHIP and its progression. There are also no guidelines for monitoring or
treatment of individuals with CHIP to mitigate their risk of leukemia or CVD.
In this proposal, we seek to understand the factors associated with CHIP. For example, we do not know if race,
area of residence, socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, health behaviors such as smoking, alcohol,
diet, exercise or stress have any impact on CHIP. We will address these questions in a large prospective study,
REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), which enrolled 30,239
adults
≥45 years
(44% blacks, ~50% females, and 56% participants living in the southeast United States). We will use a sensitive
targeted sequencing technique that will have the ability to detect CHIP mutations present at a low frequency
compared to whole exome sequencing used in majority of the previous studies. The central goal of this proposal
is to study factors associated with CHIP in a random sample of 2,500 participants without baseline CVD to
identify individuals at high risk for CHIP. Extensive sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data; as well as
inflammation, CVD and coagulation biomarkers are available for a subset of these participants, and will serve as
a rich resource to accomplish the aims of the study. Blacks have a higher risk of several CHIP associated
outcomes such as low blood counts, CVD and mortality. This risk is not completely explained by
sociodemographics or cardiovascular risk factors, and, we will explore the role of CHIP in racial differences of
these outcomes. The career development plan includes training in biostatistics and research methodology,
bioinformatics analysis, risk prediction modeling and health disparities research. These scientific and training
plans are supported by a team of experienced mentors and advisors who are committed to the success of this
project and my development as a physician scientist.
This proposal will strengthen my skills as a translational researcher, establish an independent research platform,
and make a true contribution towards improving our understanding of CHIP and associated outcomes. The
results from this study will be utilized as a foundation for future studies assessing factors associated with clonal
evolution (acquisition of new CHIP mutations or increase in clone size over time) and associated adverse
outcomes, and ultimately inform the management of individuals with CHIP. My proposed research experience
coupled with career development plan, mentorship and excellent institutional support will provide me with the
res...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10444553
- **Project number:** 1K08HL159290-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Radhika Gangaraju
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $164,033
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-15 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10444553

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10444553, Clonal Hematopoiesis in a Biracial Population (1K08HL159290-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10444553. Licensed CC0.

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