Lab tests using human-grown tissues to predict harm from chemical exposures
Project 4
Creates lab tools that use human stem-cell tissues and computer models to predict how accidental chemical exposures might affect different people and organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126711 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project grows human tissues from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) in the lab and exposes them to realistic mixtures of hazardous chemicals to measure tissue-specific responses. Researchers combine those lab results with population-based modeling (reverse toxicokinetics) to translate lab doses into likely human exposure levels and account for differences between people. The team uses high-throughput, multi-tissue testing and real-world case studies to refine predictions of harm across individuals and organs. The tools are meant to help first responders, affected communities, and site managers make faster, evidence-based decisions during environmental emergencies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be community members affected by environmental contamination or volunteers willing to donate blood or tissue samples for lab-based studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment will not receive direct clinical benefit because the project focuses on lab testing and modeling rather than providing care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide faster, more accurate predictions of health risks from chemical releases to help protect exposed people and guide cleanup actions.
How similar studies have performed: Related 'new approach methodologies' using human iPSC and modeling have shown promising results in prior case studies, though broader clinical application is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rusyn, Ivan — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Rusyn, Ivan
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 below.