How different PFAS chemicals affect brain cells
Comparative neurotoxicity of PFAS
Researchers are comparing whether common and replacement PFAS chemicals harm developing brain cells, especially dopamine-producing cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses zebrafish and human-derived nerve cells to look at how low-dose exposure to legacy PFAS (like PFOA) and replacements (PFBA, GenX) changes neuron structure and function. The team will measure behavioral changes in zebrafish, levels of dopamine, and how exposed neurons respond to known neurotoxins. By combining animal and human cell models, they aim to see which PFAS cause lasting changes linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. The findings will help point to which replacement chemicals may still pose risks and where more human-focused research is needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, though people with known PFAS exposure or Parkinson-like symptoms could be relevant for future clinical or exposure studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments are unlikely to get direct medical benefit from this lab-based comparison of chemicals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify PFAS chemicals that damage dopamine neurons and help guide safer chemical choices and future human studies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies have shown PFAS can alter development and dopamine levels, but toxicity of many replacement PFAS is less well studied, so this builds on prior work while addressing novel gaps.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Jennifer L. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Jennifer L.
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.