How common low-chlorinated PCBs affect developing brains
Molecular and Cellular Basis of PCB Developmental Neurotoxicity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11469698
Researchers are looking at whether low-chlorinated PCBs and their breakdown products change brain growth in babies and young children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11469698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at chemicals called low-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) that are often found in pregnant people’s blood and may alter brain cell growth. The team uses lab-grown neurons, animal models, and analysis of human blood samples to see how the parent chemicals and their metabolites change nerve cell structure and signaling. They are especially focused on molecular pathways like CREB that control dendrite and axon growth. The goal is to connect lab findings to real-world exposures during pregnancy and early childhood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people and parents of infants or young children who are concerned about environmental chemical exposure and willing to provide blood samples or participate in follow-up studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without pregnancy or early-childhood exposure concerns, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment for an existing condition, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific chemicals and mechanisms that harm early brain development and inform steps to reduce exposure and protect pregnant people and children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies, including from this team, have shown that some LC-PCBs and their metabolites alter nerve-cell growth, but clinical interventions or prevention strategies based on these findings are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEIN, PAMELA J — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: LEIN, PAMELA J
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 below.