Genomics Research Branch
Overview
The Genomics Research Branch plans, supports, and administers programs of research towards the discovery and function of gene variants and other genomic elements that contribute to the development of mental illnesses and related traits. Research projects apply genome-scale approaches to case-control, family and population based study designs in order to identify genetic risk factors and the underlying genetic architecture of serious mental illnesses. The Branch also supports basic research into the relationship between human genetic variation and phenotypic variation in molecular, cellular, neuroimaging, affective, and cognitive traits relevant to mental illnesses. Towards this end the Branch encourages the development and distribution of research resources such as novel statistical, computational, and bioinformatics tools as well as comprehensive genomic reference maps derived from healthy and patient brains, organoids, and cells. The goal is to establish a robust foundation based on human genetics and human biology for translational neuroscience efforts aiming to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent mental illnesses.
The National Institutes of Health has outlined efforts to increase rigor and reproducibility of biomedical research, and the Branch supports work that is well-powered, statistically robust, and independently replicated as well as quickly and openly disseminated to the scientific community. Moreover, NIMH developed a Strategic Plan for Research which outlines the Institute’s research priorities, including basic science of brain function and behavior.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact relevant NIMH program staff to discuss concepts and their potential relationship to the NIH’s mission and NIMH’s Strategic Objectives prior to submission of applications.
Main projects
- Ancestral Populations Network (APN)
- PsychENCODE (PEC)
- Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC)
NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource (NRGR)
- NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource (NRGR)
- Notice of Biospecimen Sharing Policy for the National Institute of Mental Health, Including Requirements for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Resource Development and Sharing
- Note to investigators: please contact Dr. Amanda Price (Program Officer for NRGR; amanda.price@nih.gov) with any questions about sharing or requesting biospecimens.
NIMH gene list
- NIMH Gene List (this list includes genes having appropriate statistical support for association to mental illness)
- Notice of Information: NIMH List of Human Genes Having Rare Variants with Strong Statistical Support for Association to Mental Health Traits
Additional resources
- NAMHC Genomics Workgroup: Research Recommendations Summary
- Report of the National Advisory Mental Health Council Workgroup on Genomics (this 2018 report provides guidance on the study of genes having appropriate statistical support for association to mental illness).
- NAMHC Workgroup on High Dimensional Data: Report of Recommendations
Branch chief
Jonathan Pevsner, Ph.D.
6001 Executive Blvd.
301-728-5618, jonathan.pevsner@nih.gov
Contact for general grant program assistance
Lora Bingaman
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7180B
301-443-7060, bingamanla@mail.nih.gov