NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how genetic differences affect sensitivity to harmful environmental chemicals

Official title: Mechanisms Controlling Sensitivity and Resistance to Dioxin-like Compounds: Role of AIP

Funded at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · NIH-10538943 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called AIP affects how people react to harmful chemicals in the environment, like dioxins, to help understand why some folks are more sensitive to these toxins than others, which could give patients helpful information about their own risks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Woods Hole, United States)
Project startSeptember 7, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$1,839,380
NIH project number1R01ES033888-01A1
Project IDNIH-10538943 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of sensitivity to environmental toxins or related health issues.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have any known genetic predispositions to environmental toxin sensitivity may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein (AIP) in how individuals respond to toxic environmental compounds like dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. By studying genetic variations in AIP, the research aims to uncover why some people are more susceptible to the harmful effects of these chemicals than others. The approach includes examining both human genetic data and laboratory studies in animal models to understand the mechanisms involved. Patients may gain insights into their own susceptibility to environmental toxins based on their genetic makeup.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized strategies for protecting individuals from the harmful effects of environmental toxins.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic variations can significantly impact how individuals respond to environmental toxins, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Woods Hole, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hahn, Mark E — Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
  • Study coordinator: Hahn, Mark E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How the AIP protein changes sensitivity to dioxin-like chemicals

    This project looks at whether different versions of the AIP protein make people and animals more or less affected by dioxins and similar environmental chemicals.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11370985

  • Early-life algal toxin effects on the developing brain

    Researchers are looking at how low-level exposure to algal bloom toxins during childhood and young adulthood may change brain cells and behavior.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11360101

  • Environmental drivers of toxic algal blooms and shellfish toxin risk

    Researchers are building models to predict when toxic algae will bloom and how people who eat shellfish or live near the coast might be exposed to toxins.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11360099

  • Preventing harmful algal bloom exposure in coastal communities

    This program helps coastal residents, seafood harvesters, educators, and local clinicians reduce exposure to toxic algal blooms through better monitoring, education, and data sharing.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11360097

  • Protecting people from harmful ocean algal toxins

    This project works to improve detection and prediction of toxic algal blooms so coastal communities and seafood consumers face less risk of shellfish poisoning.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11360094

  • Exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacts with various chemicals

    This study is looking at a protein called AHR that helps our bodies deal with harmful substances from the environment, and it's for anyone interested in how this protein affects our health and development.

    NIH research Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Woods Hole, United States · NIH-11001840

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.