Investigating how dieldrin exposure affects gene changes related to Parkinson's disease.
Official title: Dieldrin-induced differential gene methylation and parkinsonian toxicity (R01ES031237)
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11223384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to the pesticide dieldrin might change our genes in a way that could lead to Parkinson's disease, using mice to see how early exposure affects the brain's ability to handle future toxins, especially focusing on a protein called alpha-synuclein.
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) | $57,702 |
| NIH project number | 3R01ES031237-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11223384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of pesticide exposure or those concerned about environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to environmental toxins or do not have a family history of Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between exposure to the pesticide dieldrin and the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) by examining how it alters gene methylation patterns. The study uses a mouse model to investigate how early exposure to dieldrin affects the brain's response to later toxic insults, particularly focusing on the role of the alpha-synuclein protein. By analyzing specific DNA modifications and gene expression in response to dieldrin, researchers aim to understand the long-term effects of environmental toxins on neurological health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Parkinson's disease linked to environmental factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental factors, including pesticide exposure, can influence the risk of Parkinson's disease, supporting the relevance of this investigation.
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.