Common genes that shape how people tolerate environmental toxins
CRISPR screens of population relevant genes governing toxicant resilience
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11238901
Researchers use CRISPR gene-editing screens to find common genetic differences that change how people tolerate chemical and biological toxins.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will use CRISPR-based gene-editing to test about 1,490 human genes (the ToxVar set) that commonly carry loss-of-function variants. They will expose engineered cells or models carrying these human variants to specific chemical and biological toxicants to see which genes change cellular survival or response. This systematic approach picks out likely gene-by-environment interactions that could explain why some individuals or groups are more vulnerable to particular toxins. The findings are intended to guide future work to identify at-risk people and improve prevention and safety strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced harmful exposures to environmental or biological toxins, or who are concerned about genetic susceptibility to such exposures, would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up or related studies.
Not a fit: People whose health concerns are unrelated to environmental or biological toxin exposure are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic markers that predict who is more vulnerable to specific toxins, enabling better-targeted prevention and public-health protections.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR screening has previously identified genes that affect cellular responses to some toxins, but applying a population-focused set of common human variants across many toxicants is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VULPE, CHRISTOPHER D — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: VULPE, CHRISTOPHER D
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.
Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene