Cardiometabolic disease
Cardiometabolic syndrome—a cluster of risk factors that increases one’s susceptibility to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—has reached epidemic levels in the United States, and rates of the disorder are rising worldwide.
While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise contribute to these disorders, they don’t fully explain why some populations are at a higher risk than others. Researchers at the Broad seek to understand how genomic variation contributes to disease risk and responses to treatment. Moreover, our researchers hope to redress historically biased investigations that focus mainly on populations of European descent, and they are working with our network of international collaborators to ensure genetic studies reflect the world’s diversity.
Identifying risk genes is not the end goal. Instead, we use them as clues to the biological mechanisms and pathways that affect disease risk and may serve as therapeutic targets. Our researchers in cardiometabolic disease are pioneers in developing new tools and methods to translate disease genes into their biological mechanisms.
We are seeking philanthropic partners in the following projects:
Fully defining the genetic causes of cardiometabolic disease, including common heart diseases.
Investigating how genomic variation contributes to diabetes disease risk and responses to treatment.
Finding promising targets by unlocking the biological mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic disease.
Driving the discovery and testing of novel therapeutics for promising targets.