How low-level lead exposure affects the gut–brain connection in children and adults
Evaluation of Pb-induced perturbations in the central and enteric nervous system
This work explores whether everyday low-level lead exposure changes gut bacteria and harms the gut and brain nervous systems in children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252624 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models to see how drinking water contaminated with lead changes the gut microbiome and the nerves in the gut and brain. They will compare how these changes differ between early-life (child) and adult exposures and link gut alterations to brain development and behavior. The team will measure microbiota composition, immune responses, and structural and functional changes in the enteric and central nervous systems. Findings aim to connect common environmental lead exposure with developmental outcomes such as attention problems and autism-related features.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work are children and adults with known or suspected lead exposure, especially early-life exposure through drinking water.
Not a fit: Individuals without a history of lead exposure or whose health issues are unrelated to environmental neurotoxins are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal mechanisms by which lead harms brain development and point to ways to prevent or reduce related cognitive and behavioral problems in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that lead can alter gut microbes and affect brain development, but translation to human treatments or interventions is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morton, Paul David — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Morton, Paul David
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.