How lead exposure affects the aging brain and future generations
Transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of lead (Pb)-induced neurobehavioral disease in aged populations and subsequent generations
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11223310
Researchers are looking at how low-level lead exposure during early life or old age changes gene activity and brain function, which may affect behavior in older adults and their descendants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11223310 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, scientists expose lab models to environmentally relevant levels of lead during early development and again during old age, then look for lasting changes in the brain that affect behavior. They measure gene activity (transcriptomics), map epigenetic marks that turn genes on or off, and run behavioral tests to connect molecular changes with learning, memory, and behavior. The team also follows offspring across generations to see whether exposure effects are passed down. Findings are meant to point to biological marks that could help prevent or treat lead-related brain problems in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Relevant candidates for related human work would include older adults with known or suspected lead exposure, people with developmental lead exposure histories, and families concerned about transgenerational effects.
Not a fit: People with no history of lead exposure or whose cognitive/behavioral issues are caused by unrelated medical conditions are less likely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological signs and targets that help prevent or treat cognitive and behavioral problems caused by lead exposure in older adults and future generations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that lead can alter gene activity and behavior, but applying deep transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling across aging and multiple generations is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.