Mapping how cells respond to environmental stress
Official title: Genetic Map of the Mammalian Cell Response to Environmental Stress
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10791616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like pesticides and chemotherapy can harm proteins in our cells, which might lead to health issues like cancer and brain diseases, and it aims to find out how our cells can better protect themselves from this damage to help improve treatments and reduce side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES035975-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those exposed to environmental toxins who may be at risk for related diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions unrelated to environmental stress or protein damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how various environmental stressors, including pesticides and chemotherapy drugs, damage proteins in cells, which can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms that help protect against this damage, focusing on a network of proteins known as the proteostasis network. By utilizing advanced genetic screening techniques, researchers will create a comprehensive map of how human cells respond to these stressors, potentially identifying new ways to enhance cell protection and reduce side effects of treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that minimize side effects from chemotherapy and enhance cellular resilience against environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cellular stress responses, indicating that this approach has the potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendillo, Marc — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mendillo, Marc
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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.