# Multi-ethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities (MOSAAIC) Administrative Supplement for PBMCs and RNA PaxGene

> **NIH NIH U24** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · 2024 · $441,897

## Abstract

Project Summary
The Multiethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities (MOSAAIC) is a
pioneering initiative proposed to address significant gaps in health research for Asian American, Native
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. Historically underrepresented in biomedical research, these groups
face unique health challenges and disparities that require targeted investigation. The National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute (NHLBI) has initiated this comprehensive longitudinal cohort study, involving 10,000
participants, to transform our understanding of cardiometabolic and mental health disparities within these
populations.
We propose to collect and analyze PAXgene RNA and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from
10,000 participants to advance our understanding of cardiometabolic and mental health disparities in Asian
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.
PAXgene Collection and Analysis (Aim 1): We will collect PAXgene RNA tubes from participants during both
the UG and UH phases. The central lab service will supply the tubes to the Clinical or Community Field Studies
(CCFCs). Tubes will be stored following the standard protocol to ensure sample integrity and then shipped to
the central lab for RNA extraction. This high-quality RNA will be used for whole-blood transcriptomics to
identify gene expression patterns and provide insights into health disparities. Advanced bioinformatics tools will
integrate these data with other genomic and clinical data to uncover biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
PBMC Collection and Analysis (Aim 2): We will collect PBMCs from 9,500 participants during the UH
phases. The central lab will provide the necessary materials, and the CCFCs will process whole blood samples
to isolate PBMCs. We will then isolate specific cell subsets for transcriptomics analysis, measure immune cell
distributions using multiparameter flow cytometry, and assess immune function by exposing PBMCs to specific
stimuli. Additionally, we will explore transforming PBMCs into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for organ-
specific research, enabling detailed investigations into the unique biological characteristics of these
populations and informing targeted interventions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11140842
- **Project number:** 3U24HL169645-02S2
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** GARNET L. ANDERSON
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $441,897
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-08-15 → 2030-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11140842

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11140842, Multi-ethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities (MOSAAIC) Administrative Supplement for PBMCs and RNA PaxGene (3U24HL169645-02S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11140842. Licensed CC0.

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