Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Emory University received a $430,375 Project Grant award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective April 1, 2026, with a completion date of January 31, 2031. The research project, titled "Dietary Chelators in Metal Homeostasis," investigates the role of phytochelatins (PYCs)—thiol-containing peptides ubiquitous in human diets—as key regulators of metal homeostasis. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how small molecule thiols influence the balance between essential trace metal availability and toxic heavy metal accumulation, which is vital to preserving cellular function and preventing disease.

The project employs molecular and multi-omic analytical techniques to test the hypothesis that dietary phytochelatins regulate human metal homeostasis. By examining interactions from multiple angles, the research aims to uncover a previously unrecognized class of molecules involved in metal disposition and to develop dietary interventions that modify nutrient bioavailability and reduce excretion of toxic heavy metals. These findings have direct implications for preventing and mitigating metal-associated diseases, contributing to fundamental advances in understanding biological processes related to human health and disease prevention—core objectives of the NIGMS-supported Biomedical Research and Research Training program.