How environmental chemicals affect RNA modifications in developing embryos
Official title: Role of m6A RNA modifications in AHR-mediated developmental toxicity
Funded at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · NIH-10647294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain environmental chemicals, especially dioxins, might change a specific part of RNA in developing fish embryos, which could help us understand how these chemicals might affect growth and development in animals, including humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $454,823 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES035153-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10647294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals concerned about the effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health and embryonic development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by environmental toxins or who are not in the reproductive age group may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly dioxins, impacts the modification of RNA in developing vertebrate embryos. The study focuses on a specific RNA modification known as m6A, which plays a crucial role in gene expression and various physiological processes. By examining the effects of different dioxin-like compounds on RNA methylation patterns, the researchers aim to understand the potential developmental toxicity associated with these exposures. The research utilizes zebrafish as a model organism to explore these effects in a controlled environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental toxins affect embryonic development and potentially inform strategies to mitigate these risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental exposures can significantly alter gene expression and RNA modifications, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aluru, Neelakanteswar — Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Study coordinator: Aluru, Neelakanteswar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How the AIP protein changes sensitivity to dioxin-like chemicals
This project looks at whether different versions of the AIP protein make people and animals more or less affected by dioxins and similar environmental chemicals.
-
Early-life algal toxin effects on the developing brain
Researchers are looking at how low-level exposure to algal bloom toxins during childhood and young adulthood may change brain cells and behavior.
-
Environmental drivers of toxic algal blooms and shellfish toxin risk
Researchers are building models to predict when toxic algae will bloom and how people who eat shellfish or live near the coast might be exposed to toxins.
-
Preventing harmful algal bloom exposure in coastal communities
This program helps coastal residents, seafood harvesters, educators, and local clinicians reduce exposure to toxic algal blooms through better monitoring, education, and data sharing.
-
Protecting people from harmful ocean algal toxins
This project works to improve detection and prediction of toxic algal blooms so coastal communities and seafood consumers face less risk of shellfish poisoning.
-
Exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacts with various chemicals
This study is looking at a protein called AHR that helps our bodies deal with harmful substances from the environment, and it's for anyone interested in how this protein affects our health and development.
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.