How natural genetic differences in C. elegans affect responses to pollution
Official title: Natural variation in C. elegans responses to environmental pollution
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10910882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the different genes in tiny worms can change how they react to harmful chemicals found in the environment, which could help us understand more about keeping our surroundings safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,629 |
| NIH project number | 5F32ES034954-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910882 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 pollution, particularly those exposed to PFAS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by environmental pollutants or those without any genetic predisposition to toxicity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the genetic diversity of the tiny worm C. elegans influences its responses to environmental pollutants, specifically poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). By using advanced population-sequencing techniques, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to varying levels of toxicity from these chemicals. The researchers will analyze how different genetic makeups affect gene regulation and identify specific genomic variants that make some worms more sensitive or resistant to PFAS exposure. This work could provide valuable insights into environmental health and safety testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessments and regulations for harmful environmental pollutants, ultimately protecting public health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using genetic models like C. elegans to study environmental toxicity, indicating that this approach is promising and not entirely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leuthner, Tess Catherine — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Leuthner, Tess Catherine
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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.