Improving diabetes prediction using clinical factors, proteomic biomarkers, and polygenic risk scores

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Mary Rooney, PhD, MPH is a junior faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology at the level of Assistant Research Professor. She seeks a K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to become an independent research scientist in the area of diabetes prediction and -omics. This research proposal details a 5-year plan to refine current prediabetes definitions to better predict who will develop diabetes and its complications using clinical factors, novel proteomic biomarkers, and polygenic risk scores. The specific aims of this research are to: 1) harmonize datasets and pool participant-level data from 13 epidemiologic cohorts; 2) refine prediabetes definitions by integrating information on clinical factors, novel proteomic biomarkers, and genetic susceptibility; and 3) quantify the associations of clinical, proteomic, and genetic risk stratification groups with risk of diabetes complications. Short-term career goals include advanced training in multiple -omics research, leading a meta-analysis within a consortium and the development and validation of diabetes risk prediction equations. The proposed mentored research and career development activities fill training gaps needed to facilitate Dr. Rooney’s transition into a successful independent researcher. A more precise approach to diabetes risk stratification can inform clinical and public health strategies for the screening and primary prevention of diabetes and its complications.