Environmental and biological responses to hazardous AhR-binding chemicals
Official title: Environmental, Microbial and Mammalian Biomolecular Responses to AhR Ligands
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11394776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports human-health focused research on risks from exposure to chemicals at Superfund sites that activate the AhR receptor and on ways to reduce exposure.
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 start | April 1, 1997 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,641,944 |
| NIH project number | 5P42ES004911-31 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals in communities with known exposure to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and researchers studying AhR-related toxicity.
✕Less likely to help
General populations with no known exposure to these specific environmental contaminants are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This program brings together a multi-institution team to study how environmental contaminants that bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor affect humans and wildlife, and to explore remediation strategies. It includes five research projects and supportive cores to uncover microbial, chemical, and mammalian responses to these pollutants. The work aims to generate mechanistic insights into how these torpid toxins move through the environment, bioaccumulate, and impact health, with emphasis on real-world exposure scenarios. The team plans to integrate environmental science, microbiology, and toxicology to inform safer practices and remediation technologies for communities near Superfund sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve understanding of exposure risks and lead to better strategies to prevent harm from persistent environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on AhR-related toxins has advanced mechanistic understanding and remediation approaches, though this program focuses on integrated, center-scale investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
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.