How paternal exposure to DDT affects the health of future generations
Paternal DDT exposure and programming of metabolic dysfunction and cancer in offspring: Understanding the role of sperm mirnas and placenta development
This study looks at how a pesticide called DDT that fathers were exposed to might affect their children's health, potentially leading to issues like metabolic disorders and cancer, by examining tiny molecules in sperm that can carry information about these exposures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10988284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to the pesticide DDT in fathers can lead to health issues in their children, including metabolic disorders and cancer. It focuses on the role of sperm microRNAs, which are small non-coding RNAs that can carry information about environmental exposures. By studying these changes, the research aims to understand how paternal health impacts offspring development and disease risk. The study uses animal models to explore the mechanisms behind these effects, particularly how DDT exposure influences placenta development and fetal growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of DDT exposure, particularly fathers who may have been exposed before conception.
Not a fit: Patients who have no history of DDT exposure or whose fathers were not exposed to environmental toxins may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing metabolic dysfunction and cancer in children by addressing paternal environmental exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that environmental exposures can have transgenerational effects, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Assis, Sonia — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: De Assis, Sonia
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.