Autofluorescence to measure radiation exposure and predict early danger
Official title: Autofluorescence is a tool to monitor radiation exposure and predict acute lethality
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11376535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach uses naturally glowing signals in cells to quickly estimate radiation dose and the risk of severe illness after exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $534,864 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI190399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk of or recovering from radiation exposure who could contribute samples or data for biomarker development and future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without radiation exposure would not benefit from this biodosimetry tool.
What this research studies
If you are exposed to radiation, timing is critical. This project will study autofluorescence patterns in mouse and human cells to create a biomarker profile that links fluorescent signals to radiation dose and cellular damage. The goal is to develop a fast, noninvasive tool that helps clinicians decide who needs urgent treatment. The work will focus on hematopoietic radiation syndrome and how autofluorescence relates to lethality risk. Findings could lead to quicker triage and better outcomes after radiation exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the biomarker platform could speed up triage and guide life-saving interventions after radiation exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows autofluorescence correlates with cellular redox state and stress, supporting this biomarker approach but human-specific translation remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaue, Dorthe — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Schaue, Dorthe
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.