How the AIP protein changes sensitivity to dioxin-like chemicals
Official title: Mechanisms Controlling Sensitivity and Resistance to Dioxin-like Compounds: Role of AIP
Funded at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · NIH-11370985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $707,502 |
| NIH project number | 4R01ES033888-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with known exposure to dioxin-like chemicals or those with family histories of AIP-related pituitary tumors would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future clinical follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to AHR-activating chemicals or with unrelated health issues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how different AIP gene variants change the behavior of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) using lab experiments in cells and model animals, including fish, and by comparing genome-level differences. They will measure AHR stability, nuclear movement, and responses to pollutants such as TCDD, PCBs, and PAHs using biochemical and genetic methods. The team will link findings from resistant fish populations and known human AIP mutations to see which AIP changes control sensitivity. Results are intended to explain why some individuals are more affected by AHR-activating chemicals and to guide future human-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people who are more vulnerable to dioxin-like pollutants and inform monitoring or protective actions.
How similar studies have gone: Animal population genetics and molecular work have pointed to AIP as a resistance factor, but applying those findings to human susceptibility remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, Mark E — Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Study coordinator: Hahn, Mark E
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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.