How lead exposure affects brain health in older adults and future generations
Official title: Transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of lead (Pb)-induced neurobehavioral disease in aged populations and subsequent generations
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10975856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to lead can affect brain health in older adults and potentially impact their children, aiming to understand the changes in genes that happen because of this exposure, so we can find ways to prevent and treat related learning and behavior problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034878-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have been exposed to lead and may be experiencing neurobehavioral issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to lead or do not have neurobehavioral concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of lead exposure on brain health, particularly in older adults and how these effects can impact future generations. It focuses on understanding the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur due to lead exposure during critical life stages, such as early development and old age. By examining these changes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neurobehavioral issues like impaired IQ and learning deficits. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies to prevent and treat diseases linked to environmental toxins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for neurobehavioral diseases caused by environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental toxins like lead can significantly impact brain health, indicating that this approach has been successful in related studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Tracie R — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Baker, Tracie R
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.