Investigating how genetics and environment affect responses to aflatoxin exposure
Official title: Experimental Cellular Approaches to Genotype × Environment Interaction
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11099507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes and the environment work together to affect how our bodies react to harmful substances called aflatoxins found in some foods, especially for people in certain diets, and it hopes to find better ways to protect health from these risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,007 |
| NIH project number | 3RM1GM149403-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from South Texas, particularly those with a history of exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume foods known to be contaminated with aflatoxins or who are not from the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how genetic factors and environmental influences interact to affect individual responses to aflatoxins, which are toxic compounds found in contaminated food. By utilizing cryo-preserved induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from participants in the Mexican American Family Study, the project aims to generate liver cells to study how these cells respond to aflatoxin B1 exposure. The goal is to better understand the genetic components that contribute to health risks associated with aflatoxin exposure, particularly in populations that may be more vulnerable due to dietary habits. This research could lead to improved strategies for managing aflatoxin-related health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of health risks associated with aflatoxin exposure, potentially improving dietary safety for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of genotype × environment interactions is a growing field, the specific focus on aflatoxin exposure and its genetic implications is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran, Joanne E. — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Curran, Joanne E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular tests of how genes and environment shape disease risk
A study using patient-derived stem cells to see how genetics and environmental exposures interact to affect disease-related cellular traits.
-
How specific RNA molecules influence estrogen-driven cell growth
This project looks at whether certain RNA molecules change how estrogen fuels growth in estrogen-receptor-positive cells, which is relevant to people with ER-positive breast cancer.
-
How a Mild Brain Injury Might Raise Heart Disease Risk Later
A study in people with a mild brain injury (like a concussion) explores how inflammation after injury could lead to heart disease years down the line.
-
Genomic clues to how pollutants raise depression risk in Mexican American families
This project looks at how environmental pollutants may contribute to major depressive disorder in multi-generational Mexican American families, using genomic and pollutant measurements to find risky factors.
-
Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
-
Community Engagement Core for Genomics in South Texas
A community-focused program in South Texas will build trusted relationships, improve understanding of genomics, and encourage participation in genomic research to benefit local health.
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.