Genotyping the Understanding America Study to generate novel opportunities for research on cognitive functioning and dementia
Project Summary
This project seeks to gather genotype data from 12,000 participants in the Understanding America Study panel to develop polygenic scores. These scores will be utilized in social-science genetic studies to examine factors influencing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Researchers involved in the project will:
- Guide genetic data collection and oversee all aspects of specimen collection, data processing, polygenic score construction, and data release.
- Lead analyses and the scientific presentation of the study’s findings.
- Provide expertise in sample collection, measurement, score construction, and genetic data analysis.
- Develop and implement cognitive measures and interpret the study results.
- Advise on genotyping quality control, data imputation, and the construction and analysis of polygenic scores.
Biological samples will be processed and stored at the ISR Biospecimen Lab (ISR-BSL) at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. The ISR-BSL will handle 12,000 saliva samples, including producing Oragene kits, receiving and processing the saliva, conducting DNA extraction, quantification, and aliquoting, and storing specimens. Following these steps, samples will be plated and sent to the Genetic Resources Core Facility (GRCF) at Johns Hopkins University for further analysis. The ISR-BSL will provide comprehensive documentation of sample management throughout the study.
Investigators
Jessica Danielle Faul, Kenneth M Langa, Wei Zhao
Project Period
05/31/2028