# Metabolomic predictors of stroke in REGARDS

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $485,447

## Abstract

Abstract
There is a disproportionate burden of stroke among African Americans (AA) and individuals in the
Southeastern United States, although the environmental and/or genetic underpinnings remain incompletely
defined. Because metabolites integrate both environmental and genetic factors, they serve as proximal
markers of human disease. In prior work supported by a Career Development Award, we established a rapid,
multifunctional metabolomics platform that can be applied to large epidemiological cohorts. We now seek to
focus our study on the metabolite predictors of cerebrovascular disease, an area that has received relatively
little attention. To address these gaps in knowledge, we propose conducting metabolomics in stroke in the
multiethnic
REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (
REGARDS) study, with further
replication in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and Framingham Heart Study (FHS). We will test the overarching
hypothesis that metabolomics in well-phenotyped populations will illuminate stroke-associated metabolite
pathways, and unravel racial differences among them. In Aim 1, we will identify metabolite risk factors for
incident stroke, stratified by subtype, in the case-control cohort of the REGARDS study. We will profile
metabolites from the baseline examination in ~1200 incident stroke cases and ~1200 controls matched for age,
sex and race. In Aim 2, we will identify novel metabolite markers of known clinical risk traits for stroke,
including atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diet and exercise. In Aim 3, we will validate novel metabolite
predictors of incident stroke and associated risk traits in the JHS and FHS cohorts. We will also test whether
genetic variants that determine metabolite levels are in turn associated with clinical traits, through genetic risk
score analysis. With extensive study data, the REGARDS study is uniquely positioned to catalyze the Aims of
this proposal. Leveraging a novel small molecule profiling platform, our preliminary studies demonstrate the
feasibility and significance of the Aims. Our multidisciplinary collaboration includes investigators at the MGH,
UAB and University of Cincinnati, who bring collective expertise in metabolite profiling, biomarkers, genetic and
population epidemiology, bioinformatics, metabolic traits, and health disparities. Finally, all data will be made
publicly available, producing a unique scientific resource for the stroke research community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9843536
- **Project number:** 5R01NS099209-04
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** William Taylor Kimberly
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $485,447
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-12-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9843536

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9843536, Metabolomic predictors of stroke in REGARDS (5R01NS099209-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9843536. Licensed CC0.

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