The Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Training Grant (GenHLB)

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ABSTRACT Human genome studies continue to provide new insights into heart, lung, and blood (HLB) traits, with opportunities for translation of research findings for disease prevention and health promotion. Yet, an insufficient number of HLB genetic epidemiologists can design and implement multidisciplinary HLB genetic epidemiology studies that combine technological advances in genomics with cutting-edge statistical tools to advance understanding of the genetic basis of HLB traits and associated diseases across populations. The Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits (or GenHLB) Training Grant addresses these research gaps by providing interdisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive instruction in the genetic epidemiology of HLB traits from an outstanding team of research mentors with expertise spanning four training dimensions: HLB genetic epidemiology; computational methods; `OMICs; and culture, diversity, and disparities. The training program encompasses formal didactics based on an individual development plan, tailored mentorship, research in two training dimensions, presentations, manuscript and grant preparation, research seminars and colloquia, and instruction in the responsible conduct of research and research rigor and reproducibility. The GenHLB training program also includes careful evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of the program, ensuring that fellows achieve the competencies and skills necessary for success as future HLB genetic epidemiology research leaders. This renewal application proposes continued support of three pre-doctoral and three postdoctoral fellows each year. Postdoctoral fellows have prior expertise in epidemiology, human genetics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or medicine and gain interdisciplinary training. Pre-doctoral fellows pursue a PhD in epidemiology, specializing in HLB genetic epidemiology with a second area of training. Both applicant pools are highly selective. During our first cycle of funding, the 11 fellows trained by our program successfully conducted transdisciplinary research, published in leading journals, secured independent funding, and obtained competitive positions interrogating the genetic epidemiology of HLB traits. For the next five years, we propose an expansion of the computational training dimension to include a focus on causal inference and a research theme of precision medicine. Specifically, we include faculty with expertise in causal inference and added coursework and practicum experiences in precision medicine. An enhanced focus on lung and blood traits, leadership training, and participation in an interdisciplinary public health professional development seminar series also is proposed. Our program of internationally known research mentors with established research collaborations, unique and multidisciplinary training environment, and a multitude of research opportunities make us exceptionally well-positioned to continue training the next generation of genetic epidemiology leaders who are well-equipped to investigate the genetic underpinnings of HLB traits and associated diseases.