How animals resist toxins and what it means for human health
Evolutionary genetics of adaptation to toxins in animals
This research looks at how certain animals handle natural poisons to learn more about human diseases like cystic fibrosis and how our bodies process medicines.
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 ID | NIH-11143883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how animals have developed unique ways to resist and even store natural toxins without getting sick. These toxins often affect important channels in the body that are similar to those involved in human diseases like epilepsy, migraines, and cystic fibrosis. By understanding how animals fine-tune these channels to avoid illness, we can gain new insights into how these channels work in humans and what goes wrong in disease. This work also examines how animals process and transport toxins, which could teach us about how our bodies handle medications and develop drug resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions related to ion channel dysfunction, such as cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, or migraines, or those interested in drug metabolism, may find this foundational research relevant to their health.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to ion channel function or drug metabolism may not see direct benefits from this specific area of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of human diseases caused by ion channel problems and help improve how drugs are delivered and metabolized in the body.
How similar studies have performed: Some genes involved in toxin handling in animals are known to play roles in human drug resistance and metabolism, suggesting a promising link between animal adaptations and human health.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- 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 below.