How copper helps the body adapt to low oxygen levels

Novel roles of copper in adaptive responses to hypoxia

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11113863

This study is looking at how copper helps our bodies respond when there's not enough oxygen, which is important for people with conditions that affect oxygen levels, and it uses special technology to see how changes in certain genes might impact how copper and iron work together to make red blood cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113863 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of copper in the body's response to low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia. It uses advanced CRISPR technology to identify how mutations in specific genes affect copper transport and its relationship with iron in the blood. By studying these mechanisms in both cultured cells and animal models, the research aims to uncover how copper can influence the production of red blood cells under hypoxic conditions. This could lead to a better understanding of diseases related to oxygen transport and metabolism.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting oxygen transport, such as anemia or certain genetic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to copper metabolism or oxygen transport may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like anemia and other diseases related to oxygen transport.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of copper in metabolic processes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.