How certain chemicals affect energy metabolism and diabetes risk
Official title: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulation of energy metabolism
Funded at Southern Illinois University Sch of Med · NIH-10974201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment, like dioxins, might affect how our bodies use energy and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in women, and it’s exploring whether changing when we eat can help fix our body’s natural rhythms to improve health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Sch of Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15ES030556-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes, particularly those with a history of exposure to environmental toxins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic syndrome or diabetes, or those without significant exposure to the relevant environmental chemicals, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to specific environmental chemicals, particularly dioxins, influences energy metabolism and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It focuses on the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in disrupting the body's circadian rhythms, which are crucial for maintaining metabolic health. By exploring the effects of restricted feeding on restoring these rhythms, the study aims to identify potential treatments that could mitigate the negative impacts of chronic AhR activation, especially in females. The research utilizes animal models to understand these mechanisms and their implications for human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting circadian rhythms can positively impact metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tischkau, Shelley a — Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
- Study coordinator: Tischkau, Shelley a
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.