Pathway clues for how genes and environment interact in asthma and related diseases
Official title: A Pathway-based Approach To Detecting Gene-environment Interactions Using The Personalized Environment And Genes Study
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11441959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how variations in the AHR gene and related genes interact with everyday environmental exposures to influence diseases like asthma, using a large human cohort to map these interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | September 10, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $395,056 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES039003-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who are part of the PEGS cohort or similar studies with documented genetic data and exposure information could participate in analyses or future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit everyone, especially those not represented in the PEGS cohort or without relevant exposure data.
What this research studies
You have a set of genes known to help process environmental chemicals, called the AHR pathway. The researchers will analyze how differences in these genes, together with common environmental exposures like diesel exhaust, may affect the risk of diseases such as asthma and heart disease. They will use data from the PEGS cohort to identify gene-environment interactions and connect them with polygenic risk scores. The study aims to produce a clearer picture of who might be more susceptible to environmental factors and how these factors combine with genetics to influence disease risk. This could inform future personalized prevention strategies based on an individual’s genetic makeup and environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of who is most at risk from environmental exposures could lead to personalized advice and prevention strategies for asthma and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that integrating genetic variation with environmental data can reveal meaningful gene-environment interactions, though this specific AHR pathway focus is specialized.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aylor, David Lawrence — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Aylor, David Lawrence
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brewing anti-toxin drugs using probiotic yeast
A studying team will develop probiotic yeast–based anti-toxin drugs to help treat gut bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic-related complications.
-
Small Ruminant Therapeutic Center to Speed Safe Drugs for Sheep and Goats
A pilot project at a university will help scientists and veterinarians speed up and improve how drugs are tested and approved for sheep and goats.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Understanding how Fe/2OG enzymes make pharmacophores like cyclopropane, aziridine, and isonitrile groups
A research project at a university aims to uncover how nonheme-iron enzymes create key drug-building rings and groups to help develop better biocatalysts and medicines.
-
Hemostatic B-knob Microgels for Pediatric Bleeding
A kid-friendly hemostatic therapy using age-tuned microgels to stop dangerous bleeding after injury in children.
-
How cyanotoxins may harm nerve cells in ALS
This grant studies how shared toxins from cyanobacteria might worsen nerve damage in people with ALS.
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.