Identifying biomarkers for exposure to Florida red tide in manatees and sea turtles.
Official title: Diagnostic Biomarkers of Red Tide (Karenia brevis) Exposure in the Florida Manatee and Sea Turtles by Plasma Proteomics as a Model for Human Exposure
Funded at Florida Gulf Coast University · NIH-11039340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the harmful red tide in Florida affects manatees and sea turtles by checking their blood for changes caused by the toxins in the water, which could also help us understand how these toxins might impact people too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Gulf Coast University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Myers, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2025 |
| Project end | January 24, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,851 |
| NIH project number | 1R03ES037119-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to red tide events, particularly those experiencing neurological or respiratory symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to red tide or do not exhibit symptoms related to such exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of the Florida red tide, caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, on marine wildlife, specifically manatees and sea turtles. By analyzing plasma samples from these animals, the study aims to identify and quantify changes in protein levels that indicate exposure to the neurotoxins produced during red tide events. The findings could provide insights into how these toxins affect both wildlife and potentially humans, as public exposure occurs through inhalation and consumption of contaminated seafood. The research employs advanced mass spectrometry techniques to achieve its goals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of diagnostic biomarkers for assessing exposure to harmful algal blooms in both animals and humans.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other environmental exposures, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rein, Kathleen S — Florida Gulf Coast University
- Study coordinator: Rein, Kathleen S
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.