How lead exposure during pregnancy affects gene regulation in mice
Official title: Imprinted Gene Regulation by in utero Lead Exposure in Mice
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11032850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to lead during pregnancy affects the genes of baby mice, helping us understand the potential risks for human babies when they are developing in the womb.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 13, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $154,309 |
| NIH project number | 5K01ES035064-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be pregnant individuals exposed to lead or those concerned about environmental toxins affecting their children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who have no history of lead exposure may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of lead exposure during pregnancy on the regulation of genes in developing mice. By exposing pregnant mice to levels of lead that are relevant to human populations, the study aims to understand how this exposure alters the genetic imprinting process, which is crucial for normal development. The researchers will analyze changes in DNA methylation and other epigenetic mechanisms that may lead to adverse health outcomes later in life. This work could provide insights into the risks associated with environmental toxins during critical periods of development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how lead exposure affects child development and inform public health strategies to mitigate these risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental toxins can disrupt gene regulation, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perera, Bambarendage Pinithi Upekka — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Perera, Bambarendage Pinithi Upekka
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.