# Integrative approaches to understand systemic lupus erythematosus etiology in trans-ancestry genetic studies

> **NIH NIH R01** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · 2024 · $706,616

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heritable autoimmune disease that primarily affects young females.
SLE symptoms can be very heterogeneous, which posts great challenges in early diagnosis. In its advanced
stages, SLE can lead to multiple organ failures and even fatality. Early diagnosis is critical for controlling and
mitigating the symptoms and improving the quality of life. Genome-wide association studies of SLE to date
have identified >150 loci. Yet, the causal variants remain elusive for most loci. There is great interest to integrate
datasets from diverse human populations to further empower discovery, refine causal variants, and improve
the risk prediction accuracy. In this proposal, we seek to aggregate available GWAS summary statistics from a
myriad of autoimmune diseases. We will develop improved meta-analysis methods that effectively integrate
data from multiple traits and ancestries. We will also develop better fine-mapping methods that can integrate
statistical approaches and experimental validations. Finally, we will develop more accurate genetic risk scores
using datasets from multiple ancestries and traits, and combine them with commonly used lab values for
improved disease risk predictions. We will release useful software packages implementing these methods to
benefit studies of other traits and maximize the impact of the proposed research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10887632
- **Project number:** 5R01AI174108-03
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Laura Carrel
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $706,616
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-20 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10887632

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10887632, Integrative approaches to understand systemic lupus erythematosus etiology in trans-ancestry genetic studies (5R01AI174108-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10887632. Licensed CC0.

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