Exploring how certain fungi can protect against radiation damage
Official title: Identifying the radioprotective potential of radiation-resistant fungi using Drosophila
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-10811346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain fungi that can survive radiation might help protect sensitive cells in our bodies, like those in the bone marrow and gut, by feeding them to fruit flies and seeing if they reduce radiation damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OD034471-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who are at risk of radiation exposure, such as astronauts or those living near nuclear facilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to radiation or those with conditions that contraindicate the consumption of fungi may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of radiation-resistant fungi to protect against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, particularly in vulnerable cells like those in the bone marrow and gut. By using Drosophila, a type of fruit fly that naturally consumes fungi, the study aims to assess how these fungi can mitigate radiation damage. The approach involves dietary administration of these fungi to observe their protective effects in a controlled model system that shares similarities with human biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that help protect patients from radiation exposure, especially in scenarios involving nuclear incidents or space travel.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of fungi for radioprotection is a novel approach, there have been successful studies exploring the radioprotective properties of various biological models, indicating potential for this line of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Rachel Tafel — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Cox, Rachel Tafel
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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.