How methylmercury damages the nervous system
Mechanisms of Methylmercury Induced Neuronal Toxicity
This project will learn how methylmercury causes lasting damage to nerve cells to help people exposed to mercury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory models, including tiny roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and other cell and animal systems, to trace how methylmercury harms neurons over time. They focus on processes like oxidative stress, mitochondrial failure, calcium imbalance, and breakdown of protein handling to see which steps lead to lasting injury. The team examines specific neuron types, including dopamine- and glutamate-using cells, to find which are most vulnerable and when damage becomes persistent. By mapping the sequence and timing of these events, they hope to point to ways to prevent or treat mercury-related brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with past or recent methylmercury exposure, or those experiencing neurological symptoms possibly linked to mercury, would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People without any history of mercury exposure or with neurological conditions unrelated to toxic exposures may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targets for treatments or protective strategies that reduce long-term nerve damage after methylmercury exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that methylmercury causes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal damage, but the detailed timeline, hierarchy of affected pathways, and reasons for persistent effects remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aschner, Michael — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Aschner, Michael
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.