Investigating how dieldrin exposure affects gene changes related to Parkinson's disease.

Dieldrin-induced differential gene methylation and parkinsonian toxicity (R01ES031237)

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11223384

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11223384 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of pesticide exposure or those concerned about environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.