Understanding how deer mice adapt to low oxygen environments
Physiological plasticity and the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia: exploiting natural variation in wild deer mice
This study looks at how wild deer mice have adapted to live in high-altitude areas with less oxygen, and by understanding their unique traits, researchers hope to find ways to help people who live in similar conditions or have health issues related to low oxygen levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109412 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how wild deer mice have evolved to survive in high-altitude environments where oxygen levels are low. By studying these mice, researchers aim to uncover the genetic and physiological mechanisms that allow them to maintain oxygen balance and avoid health issues related to hypoxia. The approach includes capturing deer mice in their natural habitats and analyzing their adaptations in controlled laboratory settings. This work could provide insights into how similar mechanisms might be applied to human health, particularly for those living at high altitudes or suffering from related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living at high altitudes or those with conditions related to oxygen deprivation, such as chronic mountain sickness.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live at high altitudes or do not have conditions related to hypoxia may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating conditions caused by low oxygen levels in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding physiological adaptations to hypoxia in various animal models, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
Denver, United States
- University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) — Denver, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Velotta, Jonathan Paul — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Velotta, Jonathan Paul
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.