Understanding how deer mice adapt to low oxygen environments
Official title: Physiological plasticity and the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia: exploiting natural variation in wild deer mice
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11109412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,205 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147459-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live at high altitudes or do not have conditions related to hypoxia may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: Other research has shown success in understanding physiological adaptations to hypoxia in various animal models, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
HIF-driven ways to repair damaged lungs in IPF
A doctor-researcher is testing how low-oxygen signals (HIF) could help restore healthy lung tissue in people with IPF.
-
Neonatal Brain Injury Protection with New Purine Compounds
A new medication approach using purine derivatives is being studied to protect newborn brains from injury caused by limited blood flow and oxygen during birth.
-
Aldo-keto reductase (AKR) helps brain BH4 levels after injury
This grant tests whether brain AKR enzymes can boost BH4 levels and support better brain function after hypoxia-ischemia-related injury.
-
Dual-hypoxia and proliferation PET biomarker for recurrent glioblastoma
A study using a special PET imaging approach to map oxygen-poor areas and cell growth in recurrent brain tumors to guide treatment decisions.
-
How low oxygen and genetic tweaks may repair mitochondrial problems linked to Alzheimer’s and other disorders
A Johns Hopkins-style? (Note: institution specified later) patient-facing overview: researchers will study tiny cell power stations in mitochondria to see if low-oxygen conditions and specific genetic changes can fix problems associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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.