# Joint Analysis of Microbiome and Other Genomic Data Types

> **NIH NIH R01** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · 2021 · $220,371

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
In the same way that the human genome project created invaluable genomic maps, the objective of this project
is to develop methods for eventual construction of comprehensive genetic and metabolomic by microbome
relationship maps. Such maps would be an invaluable resource for improving our understanding as to the
underlying mechanisms by which microbes and –omics features influence human diseases and conditions,
potentially leading to identification of novel therapeutic targets. To these ends, this proposal seeks to develop
statistical and computational tools for mapping associations and interactions between microbes and other –
omic features and for further utilizing other –omics to improve microbiome based prediction models.
Specifically, motivated by studies examining the role of the vaginal microbiome and other –omics in birth
outcomes and menopause, we aim to develop statistical methodology for (1) mapping genetic variants that
influence microbiome composition so as to understand the innate component of the microbiome as well as
learn mechanisms by which genetics influence outcomes; (2) creating global metabolic maps integrating both
microbes and metabolites which will enable understanding of how perturbations might influence the system
and identify key pathways for therapeutic target; (3) exploiting other –omics in constructing more accurate
microbiome based prediction models for preterm birth; (4) developing, distributing and supporting software
packages for the proposed methods. The methods are based on frameworks in which we have considerable
experience, but novel technical contributions are made to accommodate features of the data such as
population stratification and relatedness in genetics, phylogenetic structure, and compositionality, as well as
practical considerations such as availability of samples and other –omics data. Consequently, these new
methods have the potential for accelerating mechanistic and translational microbiome studies, developing vital
resources for enabling systematic achievement of many biological, clinical, and public health problems that
have eluded researchers for decades.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10643244
- **Project number:** 6R01GM129512-05
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL Chiao-An WU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $220,371
- **Award type:** 6
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10643244

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10643244, Joint Analysis of Microbiome and Other Genomic Data Types (6R01GM129512-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10643244. Licensed CC0.

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