How fish adapt to diseases and environmental changes
Official title: Phylogenomic mechanisms of trait evolution and resilience to disease
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10896975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how some Antarctic fish have developed special traits to survive in harsh conditions, even though these traits can be harmful to humans, and it aims to learn more about the genetics behind these traits to see if they can help us understand similar health issues in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with anemia or heart-related conditions who are interested in novel treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to blood or heart diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain fish species, particularly those in the Antarctic, have evolved traits that help them survive in extreme environments, despite these traits being harmful to humans. The study focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms behind conditions like anemia and heart enlargement in these fish. By analyzing genetic data and evolutionary patterns, researchers aim to uncover how these species manage to thrive despite having traits that would typically be considered diseases. This work could provide insights into how similar mechanisms might be applied to human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for understanding and treating diseases related to blood and heart conditions in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding evolutionary adaptations in animals, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daane, Jacob Michael — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Daane, Jacob Michael
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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.