Dr. Struan Grant

Biography

Struan F.A. Grant has been conducting human genomics research for 25 years, emphasizing the discovery of polymorphic Sp1 sites in the COL1A1 gene associated with osteoporosis and the identification of the variation in the TCF7L2 gene, which plays a critical role in conferring type 2 diabetes risk. He provides leadership in international genetics efforts to characterize genes influencing birth weight and common childhood obesity risk. As a primary faculty member in the Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics, he is the Director of the Center for Spatial Functional Genomics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. His current research primarily involves investigating disease genomics with a specific focus on pediatrics. He employs high-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies while utilizing statistical bioinformatics approaches to unravel complex genomic puzzles related to childhood obesity, pediatric bone strength, and diabetes. His research addresses the genetic factors that determine these complex traits, recognizing the interaction with significant environmental factors. Given the global prevalence of these diseases, his work also aims to prevent disorders and reduce individual morbidity, addressing the economic burden on society. Currently, he is an active investigator with several research grants and collaborates with a diverse research team and graduate students.

Research Interests