How common gene differences change reactions to chemical and biological toxins
Official title: CRISPR screens of population relevant genes governing toxicant resilience
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11471388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses gene-editing screens to find common DNA differences that change how people's cells respond to chemical and biological toxins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $25,917 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES033625-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11471388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with known or suspected exposure to environmental chemical or biological toxicants, or those interested in genetic studies of toxin sensitivity, would be the most relevant group for follow-up studies.
✕Less likely to help
People whose health concerns are unrelated to environmental or toxicant exposure are unlikely to get direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will use CRISPR-based gene screens in lab-grown human cell models to test about 1,490 human genes (the ToxVar set) that carry relatively common loss-of-function variants. They will expose these engineered cells to specific chemical and biological toxicants and track which gene differences change cell survival or function. The team aims to map gene-by-environment links that help explain why some people or groups are more vulnerable to particular toxins. Results are meant to guide future efforts to identify at-risk individuals and improve prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal genetic markers that predict who is more vulnerable to certain toxic exposures, helping target prevention and monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR screening in cells has successfully found genes that change drug and toxin responses, but applying a large population-relevant 'ToxVar' gene set to multiple toxicants is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vulpe, Christopher D — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Vulpe, Christopher D
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.