# Project 4 -- MIDUS Genomics Project

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2022 · $596,802

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – GENOMICS PROJECT
The MIDUS Genomics Project provides genomic data resources, analytic tools, and methodological training to
advance the overall MIDUS objective of defining the relationship between psychosocial factors and health- and
aging-related outcomes. Resources provided by this project include: 1) twin-based research strategies to
identify overall genetic influences on psychosocial and health outcomes; 2) genome-wide RNA profiles to
identify the specific gene expression pathways that mediate these influences; 3) genome-wide DNA
methylation profiles to identify the specific epigenetic pathways that mediate these influences; 4) genome-wide
single-nucleotide polymorphism profiles to identify the role of specific genetic polymorphisms and polygenic
risk profiles; 5) targeted genotyping of specific gene variants of particular relevance to MIDUS research
objectives, such as the APOE gene associated with Alzheimer’s Disease; and 6) training to MIDUS
investigators in the special substantive and analytic aspects of genomic data. Genomic measures are
collected from approximately 1200 participants in the MIDUS Biomarker Project (Core MIDUS and MIDUS
Refresher samples), and include 2 waves of RNA and DNA methylation profiles that can quantify rates of
biological aging and change over time in inflammatory biology and antiviral biology. Aims of the MIDUS
Genomics Project include: Aim 1: Collect and disseminate RNA gene expression profiles, DNA methylation
profiles, and targeted genotyping data; Aim 2: Analyze the relationship between psychosocial risk processes
(e.g., socio-economic and socio-relational disadvantage) and resilience processes (e.g., psychological well-
being and social resources), and longitudinal rates of change in the “Conserved Transcriptional Response to
Adversity” (CTRA) RNA profile and DNA methylation measures of “epigenetic age” and mortality risk; Aim 3:
Define the relationship between CTRA gene expression and epigenetic age acceleration to determine their
correlation and respective relationships to health, well-being, and disease risk. The genomic data provided by
this project provide essential genetic and molecular elements of MIDUS’s overall integrative biopsychosocial
characterization of health and well-being of mid-life Americans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10559179
- **Project number:** 2U19AG051426-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** CAROL D. RYFF
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $596,802
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-07-25 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10559179

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10559179, Project 4 -- MIDUS Genomics Project (2U19AG051426-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10559179. Licensed CC0.

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