Genes and Phenotypes (GAP) studies of Immunologic and Inflammatory Pathways (Robert P. Kimberly, MD (site PI); NIAMS RC2AR059092)

"Genes and Phenotype (GAP)” is a national resource for genotype-phenotype studies of immunologic and inflammatory pathways". In collaboration with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, we have developed a unique population resource of 4,500 normal subjects who can be characterized genetically and are willing to be repeatedly studied for immunologically related phenotypes. This population resource, the GAP cohort, is available to the scientific community on a national basis. We have formalized and expanded an existing infrastructure for consenting, re-contacting and studying this population. The entire cohort has been characterized for approximately 12,000 SNPs of potential immunological interest. This will permit functional studies of genotype-phenotype correlations in an efficient manner. We have establish "working groups" of scientists with interests in particular aspects of immunobiology to guide the efficient utilization of the resource.