# Identifying the ABCs of xenobiotic metabolism in protecting the germ line lineage

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $68,562

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This project explores the cellular protection systems available to the primordial germ line—the embryonic
precursors to egg and sperm. The research is centered on the developmental and protective functions of a
class of multi-drug resistance ABC transporters that actively efflux toxins, reactive metabolites, and signaling
molecules from the cell. It will use two model systems—the sea urchin embryo and a human cell line—to
identify these functions in the development and protection of primordial germ cells (PGCs). PGCs have not
been characterized in this context before, despite the ubiquitous presence of “low-dose” pollutants and drugs
in the environment, umbilical cord blood and maternal fluids. Modeling the threshold of protective
mechanisms in PGCs is crucial for predicting and mitigating early life exposures, in order to help define safe
dosage levels and mitigate infertility issues that may arise in utero.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10061595
- **Project number:** 5F32ES029843-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Catherine Sarah Schrankel
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $68,562
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-12-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10061595

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10061595, Identifying the ABCs of xenobiotic metabolism in protecting the germ line lineage (5F32ES029843-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10061595. Licensed CC0.

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