Genetic clues to metabolic resilience in cavefish
Official title: Unraveling Metabolic Resilience: A Genomic Exploration Using Astyanax mexicanus Cavefish
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11349632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how cave-dwelling fish naturally tolerate high blood sugar and obesity to uncover clues for human metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $263,103 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156711-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with metabolic syndrome or related metabolic health concerns may benefit from future translation of these findings.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic health issues or without access to future therapies based on these findings may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses Astyanax mexicanus fish, with cave and surface forms, to find gene networks that help organisms cope with metabolic stress. By breeding the two morphs in the lab, scientists will map how liver-related genes and other pathways contribute to resilience against metabolic syndrome-like conditions. The study will apply advanced gene analysis methods to see how starvation and glucose metabolism are controlled across development. The goal is to identify genetic factors that could inspire new approaches to treating metabolic diseases in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights from this work could guide new strategies to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome and related conditions in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using cavefish models has revealed gene networks linked to metabolic traits, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krishnan, Jaya — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Krishnan, Jaya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
National Neighborhood Data Archive helps researchers study aging health in U.S. neighborhoods
A nationwide data resource will help researchers understand how where people live affects health and aging, with a focus on respiratory illnesses in older adults.
-
Understanding how neurons resist and recover from toxic chemicals
Researchers are studying how brain cells fight back against harmful chemicals to help people survive exposure.
-
Fostering Community Connections to Strengthen Youth Resilience and Well-Being
A Hawaii-based effort helps teens and young adults get mental health and preventive care more easily by building local networks and smart referral pathways.
-
Indigenous healthy homes and communities to improve health and resilience
A community-led effort in Indigenous communities in the US Southwest aims to improve housing and health, focusing on safer homes, cleaner indoor environments, and access to culturally competent care.
-
Neural Circuitry Resilience in Psychotic Disorders
Researchers are using ultra-high-field brain scans to understand how brain networks in people with schizophrenia adapt over time, with the goal of finding new ways to improve thinking and daily functioning.
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.