Understanding how heavy metals affect behavior and physiology using fruit flies
Official title: Linking genomic, physiological, and behavioral responses using a Drosophila model of heavy metal stress
Funded at University of Oklahoma · NIH-10903816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how exposure to copper, a heavy metal, affects the behavior and health of fruit flies, which can help us understand how similar stressors might impact humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norman, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033257-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to heavy metals, particularly those living in areas with high pollution levels or those with genetic predispositions to heavy metal sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to heavy metals or do not have related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of heavy metal stress, particularly copper, on the behavior and physiological responses of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly model. By examining the genetic basis of these responses, the study aims to uncover how heavy metals impact learning and behavior, which can be relevant to human health. The research employs large-scale phenotyping assays to analyze the interactions between genetics and environmental stressors. This integrative approach seeks to provide insights into the complex relationships between metal toxicity and behavioral changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how heavy metal exposure affects human health and behavior, potentially informing prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using Drosophila models to study genetic responses to environmental stressors, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma
Norman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Everman, Elizabeth — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Everman, Elizabeth
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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.