How certain proteins help cells adapt to environmental toxins
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of chromatin by the Keap1-Nrf2 xenobiotic response signaling in Drosophila
Funded at University of Minnesota Duluth · NIH-10730798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific pathway in fruit flies helps control the way genes are organized in response to harmful toxins, which could give us important clues about how these toxins affect our health and may relate to cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota Duluth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duluth, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $459,139 |
| NIH project number | 2R15GM128143-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals concerned about the health impacts of environmental toxins, particularly those at risk for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to environmental toxin exposure or those not affected by cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway in fruit flies (Drosophila) regulates the structure of chromatin, which is crucial for gene expression. By examining the interactions between these proteins and chromatin remodeling factors, the study aims to uncover how cells adapt to harmful environmental toxins. The findings could provide insights into the long-term effects of toxins on health and disease, particularly in relation to cancer. The research employs a combination of genetic and molecular biology techniques to explore these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental toxins influence health, potentially informing new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in cellular responses to toxins, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Huai — University of Minnesota Duluth
- Study coordinator: Deng, Huai
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How environmental toxins affect gene regulation in fruit flies
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in fruit flies helps control gene activity when they are exposed to harmful substances, which could give us clues about how toxins affect our health and contribute to diseases like cancer.
-
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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.