Effects of early exposure to PFAS on gut and brain health
Official title: Impact of developmental exposure to PFAS on the microbiota-gut-brain axis
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10740775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around certain chemicals called PFAS when you're young might change the bacteria in your gut and affect your brain later on, especially for people dealing with gut issues or behavioral challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $423,657 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES034806-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults and elderly individuals who may have been exposed to PFAS during their early development and are experiencing gut or brain-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to PFAS or who do not have any gut or brain health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to certain environmental chemicals, specifically PFAS, during early life may affect the gut microbiome and brain function later in life. The study focuses on understanding the interactions between gut bacteria and brain health, particularly in relation to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and behavioral disorders. By examining these connections, the research aims to uncover how early chemical exposures can lead to long-term health issues in adults and the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of gut-brain health, potentially reducing the incidence of related diseases in affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental exposures during critical developmental periods can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gareau, Melanie G — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Gareau, Melanie G
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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.