Effects of cadmium and arsenic on lung development in babies
Official title: Cadmium and Arsenic Effects on Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in Early Airway Development
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11061911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to harmful metals like cadmium and arsenic during pregnancy might affect babies' lung development, with the goal of finding ways to protect children's lung health in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166455-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women exposed to cadmium and arsenic, as well as their newborns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or have not been exposed to cadmium or arsenic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic during pregnancy affects the development of the lungs in infants. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind these effects, particularly through a metabolic pathway involved in pyrimidine biosynthesis, which is crucial for cell growth and development. By studying these impacts, the research aims to uncover how prenatal exposure to these toxins can lead to long-term respiratory issues in children. The findings could help inform public health strategies to reduce exposure and improve lung health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of respiratory diseases linked to prenatal exposure to harmful metals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that prenatal exposures to environmental toxins can adversely affect lung development, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Xin — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Xin
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.