Body and environmental responses to dioxins and related chemicals
Environmental, Microbial and Mammalian Biomolecular Responses to AhR Ligands
This program looks at how dioxins and similar pollutants affect microbes, animals, and people living near contaminated sites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121926 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I live near a polluted site, this program studies how dioxins and related chemicals move through soil, water, and the food chain and how microbes and chemistry affect their availability. Researchers combine field sampling at contaminated sites, laboratory microbial experiments to identify organisms that break down pollutants, and mammalian molecular studies to see how these chemicals activate the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). The center is organized into multiple research projects and support cores across Michigan State University and partner institutions to link environmental behavior, cleanup technologies, and biological effects. Results are intended to guide better remediation and public health recommendations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who live, work, or hunt/fish near known contaminated or Superfund sites or who have documented exposure to dioxin-like compounds and are willing to provide samples or health information.
Not a fit: People without exposure to these environmental contaminants or those seeking an immediate medical treatment for unrelated conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve cleanup strategies and reduce people's exposure to harmful dioxins and related pollutants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that dioxins interact with the AhR and has supported some remediation methods, but this integrated center approach aims to fill remaining gaps linking environmental fate, microbial degradation, and mammalian responses.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zacharewski, Timothy R. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Zacharewski, Timothy R.
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 below.