Exploring how genes and environment affect human cell health
Official title: Understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental contributions to human cell fitness
Funded at Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. · NIH-11011117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes and the environment affect how our cells behave and stay healthy, using a special setup that mimics human blood to learn more about how cells respond to drugs and the immune system, which could help improve treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morgridge Institute for Research, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $421,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156513-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or those interested in how genetic and environmental factors affect their health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-autoimmune conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how both genetic and environmental factors influence the behavior and health of human cells. By using a novel cell culture medium that mimics human blood conditions, the study aims to better understand cell metabolism, drug sensitivity, and immune responses. The researchers will employ advanced techniques like CRISPR screens and continuous culture systems to explore these interactions in a controlled setting. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between traditional laboratory models and real human physiological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and other conditions by enhancing our understanding of cell behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative cell culture techniques to better model human physiology, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Morgridge Institute for Research, INC.
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cantor, Jason Robert — Morgridge Institute for Research, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cantor, Jason Robert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Acanthamoeba as a modern model parasite to study infectious disease biology and mitochondria
A five-year project will define the mitochondrial proteins and pathways of Acanthamoeba castellanii to advance infectious disease biology and parasite metabolism.
-
Label-free optical imaging to quickly predict treatment response in patient tumor organoids
This project uses fast, label-free optical imaging on tiny, patient-grown tumor organoids to show which cancer treatments are most likely to work.
-
Non-invasive single-cell insights to make CAR T cells work better
A grant to develop non-invasive single-cell tools to identify and improve potent CAR T cell therapies for cancer patients.
-
Metabolic changes linked to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in cardiovascular health
A study aims to understand how immune and blood vessel cells switch their metabolism to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which play roles in inflammation and heart health.
-
Using zebrafish to find ways to repair the injured heart
Scientists are studying how zebrafish regrow heart muscle to uncover signals that might help adults recover heart function after a heart attack.
-
How zebrafish repair spinal cord injuries
Researchers are using zebrafish to learn how spinal cord injuries can be healed, with the goal of helping people who have paralysis from such injuries.
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.