Friday, October 17, 2025 10/17/2025

The effects of depleted uranium shrapnel on mitochondrial cellular function.

Award Number: R15ES032923
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/21/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2025

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

The effects of depleted uranium shrapnel on mitochondrial cellular function. - Project Abstract A consequence of modern combat is exposure to depleted uranium through the use of uranium-containing munitions. Understanding the effects of environmental or occupational exposure to depleted uranium is important for protecting human health. Research in the area of uranium chemical toxicology has yielded mixed results, raising uncertainty as to the risks of depleted uranium exposure and mechanisms of action. The research proposed here will address depleted uranium chemical toxicity in vivo and the role ultraviolet radiation may play in potentiating (or synergizing) uranium’s mechanisms of action. The central question being addressed is if depleted uranium internalized through shrapnel or wound contamination causes persistent cellular and genetic damage including mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, both of which are observed in cancer states. In addition to the critical biomedical science encompassed by this project, an overarching goal of R15 awards is to involve students with all aspects of the proposed research activities to engage the next generation of STEM investigators. Students will carry out experiments using zebrafish (embryos, larvae and adults), to test the hypothesis that internalized depleted uranium, in amounts that are occupationally and environmentally-relevant, disrupts mitochondrial function and genomic stability. We will also test the hypothesis that ultraviolet B-ray (UV- B) radiation interact with DU leading to synergistically increased genotoxicity. Notably, humans exposed to depleted uranium, particularly as a consequence of shrapnel, may carry the metal burden in or near their skin where interaction with sun exposure (including UV-B) may occur. Our studies leverage a pigment-free strain of zebrafish that enables longitudinal tracking of uranium implants, as the animal’s skin is transparent as a larva and translucent as an adult. Our unique study system is tractable for students as demonstrated by our preliminary data in which the great majority of data was produced by student researchers in the PI’s laboratory group. Furthermore, the zebrafish is less costly than rodent models and relatively easy to maintain, making longitudinal studies well within our capabilities. Outcomes derived from these studies will provide evidence for or against uranium chemical toxicology from acute or persistent exposure from multiple routes of internalization. We assert this is a comprehensive approach to assess the risk depleted uranium poses to humans while addressing potential risk modifiers.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2021	NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY	601 S KNOLES DR RM 220	FLAGSTAFF	AZ	86011	COCONINO	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	9/11/2025	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2022	NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY	601 S KNOLES DR RM 220	FLAGSTAFF	AZ	86011	COCONINO	USA	Environmental Health	001	1	5/28/2024	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$0
2024	2021	NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY	601 S KNOLES DR RM 220	FLAGSTAFF	AZ	86011	COCONINO	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	5/16/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $147,446 )
2022	2022	NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY	601 S KNOLES DR ROOM 220	FLAGSTAFF	AZ	86011	COCONINO	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	1/6/2022	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$147,446
														Subtotal = $147,446

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $427,265 )
2021	2021	NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY	601 S KNOLES DR ROOM 220	FLAGSTAFF	AZ	86011	COCONINO	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	5/20/2021	NEW	$427,265
														Subtotal = $427,265

Grand Total All Awards = $574,711

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

The effects of depleted uranium shrapnel on mitochondrial cellular function.

Award Number: R15ES032923

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/21/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2025

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer