How environmental chemicals affect brain development and health across generations

Environmental Epigenetics of EDCs: From Germline to Brain

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11062516

This study is looking at how certain chemicals in our environment can affect brain development and health, especially in young children, and how these effects might change how the brain and reproductive system work in both boys and girls over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on brain development and health, particularly focusing on how these exposures during early life can lead to lasting changes in the germline and brain function. The study aims to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms that link EDC exposure to neurobehavioral and reproductive disorders, with a special emphasis on differences between male and female responses. By examining various tissue types and cellular mechanisms, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these chemicals affect health across generations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to environmental endocrine disruptors, particularly during early life stages.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals or who do not have a history of neurobehavioral or reproductive disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of neurobehavioral and reproductive disorders linked to environmental exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental exposures can lead to significant health impacts, but this study aims to explore novel aspects of epigenetic programming that have not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

Austin, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.