How animals adapt to toxins and what it means for human health
Official title: Evolutionary genetics of adaptation to toxins in animals
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10928742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how some animals have developed ways to handle harmful toxins, which could help us learn more about the genes that affect health issues in people, like epilepsy and diabetes, and might lead to better treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $401,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150574-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to ion channel mutations, such as epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ion channel function or those not affected by neurotoxins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain animals have evolved to resist and sequester neurotoxins, which can provide insights into the genetic factors that influence health and disease in humans. By studying the genetic adaptations in these animals, researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind ion channel function, which is critical for nervous system health. The project focuses on identifying the genes involved in toxin resistance and how these genes may relate to human conditions such as epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes. This research could lead to advancements in drug delivery systems and treatments for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases related to ion channel dysfunction in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic adaptations in animals, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for human health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarvin, Rebecca D. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Tarvin, Rebecca 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.