How father's benzene exposure affects metabolic health in children
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming by paternal benzene exposure
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11034351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to benzene can affect a father's health and, in turn, impact his children's ability to manage sugar in their bodies, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $586,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R56ES034765-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of metabolic disorders, particularly those whose fathers have been exposed to benzene or similar environmental pollutants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a familial or environmental risk factor related to metabolic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of paternal exposure to benzene on the metabolic health of offspring. Using a specialized mouse model, the study aims to uncover how benzene exposure in fathers can lead to metabolic disorders in their children, particularly focusing on impaired glycemic control. The researchers will analyze the physiological and genetic changes that occur in the offspring as a result of this exposure, and they will explore potential treatments to mitigate these effects. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into the heritable risks associated with environmental toxins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing metabolic diseases in children exposed to environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on paternal benzene exposure is novel, similar research has shown that environmental factors can significantly impact metabolic health across generations.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lempradl, Heidi — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lempradl, Heidi
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.