Investigating how dieldrin exposure affects gene changes linked to Parkinson's disease.
Official title: Dieldrin-induced differential gene methylation and parkinsonian toxicity (R01ES031237)
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10973194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to the pesticide dieldrin might affect genes in a way that could make someone more likely to develop Parkinson's disease later on, using animal models to find out how this happens and hopefully discover new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES031237-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to pesticides or have a family history of Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have a confirmed genetic mutation causing Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between exposure to the pesticide dieldrin and the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on how dieldrin may cause changes in gene expression and DNA methylation during development, which could increase vulnerability to PD later in life. The study uses animal models to analyze specific DNA modifications and gene expression patterns, aiming to understand the biological mechanisms that contribute to PD susceptibility. By examining these changes, the research seeks to uncover potential pathways that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new strategies for preventing or treating Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental factors, like pesticide exposure, can influence the risk of Parkinson's disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Alison — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Alison
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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.