How exposure to PCBs during adolescence may lead to depression
Official title: Adolescent exposure to PCBs as a risk factor for the development of depression
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11026782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around certain chemicals called PCBs might be connected to depression in teenagers, using young mice to help understand how these toxins could affect their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $495,980 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036983-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may have been exposed to PCBs in their environment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who have not been exposed to PCBs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential link between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the development of depression in adolescents. It focuses on understanding how these environmental toxins, which are commonly found in schools and other areas, may affect mental health by disrupting the gut microbiome and the blood-brain barrier. Using adolescent mouse models, the study aims to explore the biological mechanisms that could explain this connection, providing insights into how environmental factors influence psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for adolescent depression linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking PCB exposure to depression in adolescents is novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting environmental toxins can impact mental health, indicating a potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toborek, Michal — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Toborek, Michal
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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.