How air pollution and maternal stress affect brain development related to social behavior
Official title: Effects of air pollution/maternal stress on microglial sculpting of social circuits
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11001832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to air pollution and stress during pregnancy might affect the brain development of babies, especially in relation to social skills and autism, using mice to help understand these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $241,639 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033278-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are children aged 0-20 years, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder or those who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or who have not been exposed to significant environmental toxins may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to air pollution and maternal stress on the development of social circuits in the brain, particularly in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a mouse model, the study examines how these environmental factors interact to influence social behavior in offspring. The research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to social interaction deficits, which are characteristic of ASD, and explores the role of the gut microbiome in this context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for autism spectrum disorder, particularly in children affected by environmental factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between environmental toxins and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Caroline Jackson — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Smith, Caroline Jackson
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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.