How PFAS chemicals move through the body
Mechanisms of Exposure
This work looks at how common PFAS chemicals enter, move through, and leave the body to help people exposed to them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)—common environmental chemicals found in people’s blood and waste—to learn how the body handles them. They will use lab-grown cells and genetically modified mice that lack certain transport proteins to see how PFAS are absorbed, carried to tissues, and eliminated. Experiments will focus on protein binding (for example albumin and fatty acid binding proteins) and transporters like OATP2B1 and ABCG2 that may move PFAS into and out of cells. The goal is to connect these lab findings to how PFAS behave in humans so future tests or treatments can reduce harmful accumulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known PFAS exposure, elevated PFAS levels in their blood, or who live near contaminated sites would be the most relevant candidates to follow or contribute samples to this work.
Not a fit: People with no history or risk of PFAS exposure are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why some people retain PFAS longer and guide tests or strategies to decrease PFAS levels in exposed individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Prior cell-based and animal studies suggest protein binding and transporters influence PFAS handling, but translating those findings into human-focused solutions is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slitt, Angela L — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Slitt, Angela L
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.